Fate || BENNIFER

Love

Jennifer's P.O.V

We were preparing for Violet's eighth birthday party. The room was a mix of birthday cheer and festive decorations. I arranged a table filled with colorful party hats, streamers, and I hung a banner that read "Happy Birthday Violet" across the fireplace mantel, just above the Christmas stockings. Ben, wearing a Santa hat, hung a string of balloons, their colors blending with the tones of the Christmas tree. The rest of the room was already adorned with shimmering lights, tinsel, and ornaments.

"What's on your mind, baby?" I asked after noticing his expression.

"I can't believe she's turning eight already." Ben said, a tinge of nostalgia in his voice. "It feels like just yesterday when she took her first steps."

"She's become such a remarkable girl, and I'm so proud of you." I said squeezing his arm. He returned a bittersweet smile.

"We have made a lot of incredible memories together." He said with a slight smile on his face.

"Think about all the wonderful moments that lie ahead. You're such a cool daddy." I was able to make him chuckle.

"Sometimes, I get caught up in the whirlwind of life, and I forget to slow down and appreciate what I have." His voice filled with love as he approached me to leave a sweet kiss on my forehead.

"We all do." I replied softly.

As we continued our preparations, we arranged the presents on a table. The room seemed to burst with colors, as the vibrant gift wrap contrasted against the traditional red and green decorations.

Violet's friends arrived, along with her siblings and step-siblings, all gathered together to make her day special. The room buzzed with laughter and chatter as the children played games.

As the moment came to sing the birthday song, I carefully took Grace from Ben's arms so that he could join the group around the cake and be close to Violet. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she took a deep breath and prepared to blow out the candles. Everyone sang in unison while she closed her eyes to make a wish, her face glowing with happiness. With a big smile, she blew out the candles, and the room erupted with cheers and applause.

"Mommy." Emme called out. "I want to play with her."

"She's sleeping now, baby." I said reaching down to caress her hair.

"Why does she sleep so much?" She asked.

"She's still very little, just like you were when you were a baby. Babies need a lot of sleep because it helps them grow and get stronger." I explained.

"But I wanna show her my toys." She persisted. "Can't she wake up now?"

"I know you're excited to play with Grace, sweetheart. And soon, she will wake up more often and be able to play with you too. But for now, we need to be patient and let her sleep." I said as I bent down so that she could take a look at her sister.

"Ben told me that babies grow faster with love." She said.

"He said that?" I chuckled, kinda touched by the information.

"Maybe, if I give her a kiss, she'll grow faster." She proposed.

"You know what, I think that's a great idea." I replied, a tender smile drawing on my face.

She stood on her tiptoes in excitement even though I was holding her low enough for her to reach.

"She's so beautiful." She whispered.

"Yes, she is, just like you." I reached out to stroke her cheek with my free hand.

"I want to give her a kiss." She said hesitant.

"Of course." I responded softly. "Let's be gentle, though, so she doesn't wake up."

She leaned over her, pressing her lips gently against her sister's forehead, lingering for a moment before pulling away.

"I did it!" She whispered excitedly.

"You did, baby." My face radiated with pure happiness.

"Will it work?" She asked.

"I'm sure it will, because your kisses are magical." I said in a tender tone, before she went back to play with the rest of the children.

With a gentle smile tugging at the corner of his lips, Ben approached me. When he glanced at me, I noticed a wistful expression etched on his face. Sensing his nostalgia, I gently shifted Grace in my arms, making space for him to join me in an embrace.

"Time seems to slip through our fingers so quickly." His voice laced with a hint of sentimentality.

"They grow up so fast." I mused, my voice tinged with a mix of pride and sadness.

"I was thinking, maybe we should have another baby." He said with a smile on his face.

"Oh, really?" I replied, feigning shock. "And who, may I ask, will be the one carrying that baby? Because I think it's your turn."

"Touché." He said in a funny tone.

"You'll never fail to surprise me." I laughed.

"Don't tell me you don't love the world of sleepless nights and endless diaper changes." He joked.

"So you think our lives are not chaotic enough already, Captain Diaper-Changer?" I playfully rolled my eyes. "I see you're ready to upgrade to zombie mode."

"Fair enough." He grinned.

"I must admit, your optimism is contagious, but let's shelve that idea for now." I kissed his shoulder.