Fate || BENNIFER

Yes

Jennifer's P.O.V

With a gentle touch, I lighted the first candle, its flame dancing on the edge of the bathtub. The others found their place on the sink and the windowsill. Turning my attention to the tub, I twisted the faucet, allowing the water to flow, and adjusting the temperature to my liking.

Next, I reached for the bath salts, their fragrance filling the room. I poured a generous amount, watching as they dissolved. As the level rose, tiny bubbles began to form, creating a layer of foam on the surface.

Steam rose from the water, obscuring the mirror above the sink, the room becoming hazy. Embraced by the soft candlelight, I began to undress, my movements unhurried. Finally satisfied with the ambiance, I stepped into the inviting bathtub, the warm water embracing my body.

The room grew still, the only sound the soft lapping of water against the porcelain. As I closed my eyes, I let out a contented sigh.

And then, without a warning, a whisper brushed against my ear, so faint it was barely audible, yet it sent shivers down my spine. The sensation made my skin tingle, and I unconsciously bit my lip, a reflexive response to Ben speaking softly in my ear.

"Scoot forward." He whispered.

Without hesitation, I obeyed, shifting my position in the tub to make room for him to sit behind me. As he settled into the water behind me, I could feel his body against my skin, the closeness creating an intimate moment. The water rippled softly as he adjusted himself, his movements careful and gentle.

Ben's arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer. Reaching for a sponge, he dipped it into the water and gently squeezed it over my shoulder, repeating the process on the other side. The feeling was both relaxing and sexy.

"What's on your mind?" He asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.

"This feels so good." I responded.

"It could feel better." He replied, his voice tinged with playfulness.

"Yeah?" I asked imitating his tone.

"But that's not what I was asking." He said gently, his fingers tracing circles on my arm.

"Our baby's almost one." I let out a sigh.

"Ooh... you're feeling nostalgic." He kissed my bare shoulder.

"This morning she almost stood up by herself, and I was terrified." I confessed.

"You won't miss her first steps." He said firmly.

"It isn't just about that." I whispered. "Next thing we'll know, she will be leaving for college."

Ben chuckled at my comment.

"I don't think you have to worry about that yet, love." He said. "She isn't even big enough to wear a backpack."

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I pictured it.

"You've been present beyond your availability." He added. "And that's something time can't take away. Our daughter is so lucky to have you as her mother."

Touched by his words, I turned to look at him. I could see the reflection of my own emotions mirrored in his eyes.

"Go get her." He said in a sweet voice.

I rose from the warm embrace of the water, the droplets cascading down my body as I reached for my robe.

"That's quite a view." He playfully said as I stepped out.

Wrapping myself in the robe, I made my way to the nursery. Grace saw me coming, and her tiny hands started reaching out for me to scoop her up into my arms. With her cradled against my chest, I went back to the bathroom, a smile on my face. I stepped back into the steaming water, and settled back against Ben's body.

I gently lowered Grace into the water, her hands already splashing the moment they touched the surface, eager to dive right in.

"Look at all those bubbles, Grace." Ben said with enthusiasm.

Her eyes sparkled as she touched the bubbles, opening and closing her hands to pop them, she was fascinated.

"Look at her. She's absolutely loving it." I exclaimed. "Ooh, do you like it?" I asked in a childlike voice.

"Yes." She mumbled.

A gasp escaped my lips, my eyes widening in disbelief.

"Did she just say 'yes'?" Ben asked just as surprised.

"Yes, she did!" My heart raced.

"Her first word." He whispered, his voice filled with excitement.

"Was that your first word?" I asked in a silly voice.

But instead of answering, she just giggled, her tiny hands splashing playfully in the water, and ignoring us. My eyes glistened with unshed tears. Ben, understanding the depth of my emotions, leaned in and softly kissed my temple.