Fate || BENNIFER

Memories

Jennifer's P.O.V

Ben and I exchanged a knowing smile as we listened to the joyful chaos unfolding downstairs. The sound of our children's laughter filled the air, mingling with the rustling of wrapping paper and the squeals of excitement.

We got out of bed and made our way to the nursery where Sam and Grace were already awake, reaching out their tiny hands, eager to be part of the festivities unfolding downstairs. Ben scooped up Sam while I lifted Grace, both toddlers giggling in delight at the prospect of joining their older siblings in the Christmas morning revelry.

As we descended the stairs, the scene that greeted us was nothing short of magical. The living room was a whirlwind of activity, with toys scattered across the floor and wrapping paper strewn about like confetti.

Violet and Max were already engrossed in trying their new bikes around the living room, their faces lit up with joy and a hint of mischief. Emme and Sera held up their matching dolls, while Sam proudly displayed the remote-controlled car that Ben had just handed to him.

Meanwhile, I sat on the floor with Grace between my legs. Her chubby fingers eagerly tore at the wrapping paper of a present in her lap, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"What did Santa get you?" I asked in a childlike voice.

Grace, still too young to form certain words, let out a squeal of delight as she uncovered a wooden xylophone. Her face lit up with joy as she reached out to touch the colorful keys, creating a soft tinkling sound.

"Mommy, look!" Max exclaimed. "Santa got me a bike!"

"Wow, It's so cool." I exclaimed matching his excitement. Though I couldn't help but add a gentle reminder. "Just try not to break anything, baby."

"Can I go outside?" He asked eagerly.

Before I could respond, Ben stepped in.

"You can, but don't get near the pool." He warned him.

Ben lowered himself to the floor, where I was still sitting with our toddler, who was absorbed in her new toys.

"Look what just came in." He said with a soft smile.

I glanced up from the toys scattered around me and saw the stack of envelopes in Ben's hand.

"Our engagement party invites." My voice lacking the excitement he would've expected at such news.

"You don't sound excited." He observed. "Are you having doubts? We don't have to do it if you don't want to."

"No, I mean... it was my idea. We should do it." My expression softening. "Our friends and families will like it, and it will be like a rehearsal for the real thing, a reminder that everything is going to be okay."

"Okay, let's not think about that now." Ben said gently, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "I know you think you opened all your presents yesterday, but there's something I want you to have."

"What is it?" A smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

"Just give me a second." He replied, rising to his feet and making his way over to the Christmas tree.

He knelt down and reached beneath the branches, his fingers brushing against a hidden gift. It was a large, unassuming box. But how had I not noticed it before? I couldn't recall seeing it beneath the tree, and I prided myself on my keen eye for detail.

Ben returned to my side and gently placed the box in my lap.

"This isn't expensive nor shiny, and it can't be combined with a pair of shoes..." He said making me chuckle.

"Okay..." My curiosity piqued.

"But if we're talking about special and significant gifts, this is probably the best one, the most important and emotional I have made." He continued, his gaze unwavering as he waited for my reaction.

I began to peel away the wrapping paper, my heart pounding in my chest. As the paper fell away, I was met with something really unexpected. It was a book adorned with our names and "2001-2014 ... AND COUNTING ..." etched on the cover.

My breath caught in my throat as I traced the familiar handwriting with my fingers, my eyes welling up with tears.

"Oh, Ben..." My voice barely above a whisper as I struggled to contain my emotions.

"It wasn't all hearts. You know that well." He began, his voice filled with a mixture of nostalgia and emotion. "Some of these pages reflect how tough it's been to get here, to this point. And to this day, it isn't always smooth sailing. We still make mistakes, but it's all part of the journey. Our journey."

It was a recap of our first relationship, the time in between when we were apart, and our reunion. It was filled with memories, a series of letters, emails, and pictures.

"Look." He said softly as he opened the cover of the book, revealing a pretty old photograph. "This is the very first picture we took as a couple before going public." He explained, his gaze fixed on the image. "Maybe you don't remember how you felt here, but I remember being scared as shit to screw it up with you."

"So it was all feigned confidence, huh?" I teased, and he chuckled.

"See this little note?" He continued. "It was attached to a watch you sent me. I almost killed Matt when I found it in the trash. I insisted it preserved your scent."

"You never told me that." A hint of surprise in my voice.

"I felt a bit embarrassed." He shrugged, a bashful smile tugging at his lips. "And I didn't want you to think I was crazy."

"Well, you are crazy." I teased.

"Oh, that's nice." Ben raised an eyebrow in mock offense.

"And that's why I love you." My tone tinged with affection. "You even printed out emails, wow." I remarked. "I remember saying this when you were awarded... I was very proud of you. And when the twins were born... I remember what an emotional mess I was. Postpartum hormones didn't help."

He reached out to squeeze my hand, a silent understanding passing between us.

"You always wanted a family, and though it happened with someone else, I was genuinely happy for you." He said.

"Wait." To lighten the mood, I quirked an eyebrow and asked. "Why did you include this picture?"

"It's a funny one." His gaze shifted to the photograph in question, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"You know how much I hated it." My eyes widened in mock horror. "I can't believe you kept it."

As we flipped through the pages, Ben's finger paused on a particular message, and he looked at me with a playful smile.

"Do you remember this text?" He asked.

My eyes widened as I read the words on the page, my hand flying to cover my mouth in surprise.

"Oh my god... I do." A chuckle escaping my lips.

"You had been in labor for hours and we were both hungry. I walked out of the room for the first time since we had arrived to get some food, and though I hadn't been out for more than five minutes, you felt the need to text me to come back." He held back a laugh.

My cheeks flushed as I remembered the moment vividly.

"I was in pain." I protested in an ironical childlike voice, trying to defend myself.

Ben chuckled and wrapped his arm around me, pulling me closer.

"I know, baby. It's just a funny memory." A little chuckle escaping his lips as he planted a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"Thank you. This is the best gift I've ever received." I looked up at him with a soft smile. "I love you." My voice muffled against his skin as I tucked my head into his neck.

"Merry Christmas." He said as he held me close.