Fate || BENNIFER

Great Day To Be A Father

Jennifer's P.O.V

The soft morning light streamed through the window walls, casting a gentle glow across the room as Ben and I sat side by side on the couch. It was a casual morning, one of those rare moments of tranquility before the chaos of the day took hold.

Still in our pajamas, we answered emails and sorted through the digital clutter, our attention occasionally shifted to our one-year-old, who played on the floor with her colorful blocks.

Despite our individual focus, as we were engrossed in our phones, scrolling, tapping, and typing away, we never forgot we were next to each other.

As a couple whose love language was physical touch, we had a connection that transcended the distractions. Our bodies seemed to have a magnetic pull, drawing us closer together.

Every so often, Ben would lean over towards me, his eyes still glued to his phone, and plant a soft, lingering kiss on my temple. It was a gentle gesture, a silent declaration of presence. I would respond with a smile, my hand momentarily landing on his thigh. Sometimes, our hands would meet, our fingers intertwining like acknowledging the comfort we found in each other's touch.

We had seen Grace standing up by herself countless times before. She would gather her strength, push herself up, and then plop back down onto the floor, while we always watched to make sure she landed safely. But today was different, as something magical was about to unfold before our eyes. Grace took those first uncertain steps. Her chubby legs carried her towards the couch, her arms flailing for balance. The distance that once seemed insurmountable was now reduced to a mere handful of steps.

Elated, Ben and I fought the urge to leap from the couch, to cheer and clap in celebration. Instead, we exchanged a glance, a silent agreement to remain still, to let Grace discover her newfound skill without interference.

I couldn't resist offering gentle encouragement though, trying to guide her to her destination.

"Come on, baby." I said in a low voice. "You can do it."

Ben opened his arms wide, ready to catch her in case she stumbled. With unsteady steps, Grace closed the remaining gap between herself and the couch, her face alight with excitement. Ben scooped her up, lifting her high into the air. Grace's laughter filled the room. Overcome with happiness, I leapt off the couch. We were overjoyed to have been able to witness such a milestone.

"What a great day to be a father." A wide smile stretched across Ben's face.

Little did Ben know, however, that this day would bring something new to his role as a father.

Violet, his eight-year-old, almost nine now, descended the staircase with an air of importance. Something seemed to be weighing on her mind, something that Ben could have never anticipated.

"Daddy." She began, her voice tinged with curiosity and innocence. "Can I have a bra?"

The words hung in the air, catching Ben off guard. He choked on his own breath, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"A what?" He managed to sputter out, desperately trying to comprehend what he had just heard.

I couldn't help but let out a discreet chuckle at Ben's reaction. I wanted to see how he handled that.

"A bra." She repeated herself, unaware of the complexity of her request.

"Do you know what that is for?" He asked.

"No." She replied.

Puzzled and unsure of how to proceed, he pushed further.

"Then why do you want... one?" He inquired.

"My friend told me she had one." Violet's response was simple, yet it required a chat that Ben couldn't quite handle.

Turning to me, he radiated a mixture of panic and amusement.

"I can't have this conversation with her." He admitted, his voice tinged with a touch of helplessness.

"Do you need some help?" I offered my assistance.

He nodded, his shoulders slumping as he stood up from the couch. He let out a heavy sigh.

"Do you want one too?" I asked Grace in a silly voice.

"Yes." Of course I knew she would answer that, as it seemed to be her favorite word.

"As I said." He muttered to himself, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. "A great day to be a father."

A while later, I wandered into the kitchen and spotted Ben standing by the counter, engrossed in the task of making a coffee. I couldn't help but think that he was using this moment as a distraction, a way to divert his thoughts from the bewildering situation he had just experienced with his daughter.

"Do you want to talk about it?" A small chuckle escaped my lips as I approached him.

"I'm good." He responded in a funny tone, a hint of laughter in his words. Then he glanced up at me. "Thank you for handling it."

"No problem." I grinned. "But be ready for the moment she decides to introduce her first boyfriend to you."

Ben's eyebrows shot up, a mixture of surprise and mock seriousness crossing his face.

"Shut up." He contained a laugh, but I burst into laughter.

But then, as if shifting gears, Ben decided to change the topic, his words catching me off guard.

"We should start to think about rescheduling the wedding." He suggested.

"Yeah... mmh... why don't we talk about that later? I have to... mmh... go do something." I responded.

"Okay." He said confused.

"Okay." I nodded, my eyes avoiding his gaze.

As I turned to leave the kitchen, Ben's voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Are you alright?" He asked, his concern evident in his voice.

I paused for a moment, my eyes meeting his briefly before I smiled.

"Yeah... I'm good." I replied, though my words lacked the conviction I wished I felt.