Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

17

The morning sun filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. Winter stirred, feeling the gentle warmth on his face and the familiar, comforting weight of Ryan's arms around him. Ryan's hand rested protectively on Winter's stomach, a gesture that had become a nightly ritual ever since they found out about the pregnancy. Although Winter's belly wasn't visibly swollen yet, he felt a small, endearing pouch that made him smile every time he thought about it.

He shifted slightly, trying not to wake Ryan, but it was too late. Ryan's eyes fluttered open, and he looked down at Winter with a sleepy smile. "Morning," Ryan murmured, his voice thick with sleep. "How are you feeling?"

Winter chuckled softly. "I'm good. Just a little bloated, but I guess that's normal, right?"

Ryan tightened his embrace and kissed Winter's forehead. "Yeah, it's normal. Today's the big day, huh? First scan."

Winter's heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nerves. "Yeah. I'm nervous but excited too. I just want everything to be okay."

"It will be," Ryan assured him, his voice firm and reassuring. "We're in this together, remember? Whatever happens, we'll handle it."

Winter nodded, feeling a swell of emotion. He loved how supportive Ryan was, how he always knew what to say to make him feel better. He turned in Ryan's arms and kissed him softly. "I love you."

"I love you too," Ryan replied, his eyes shining with sincerity.

They lay there for a few more minutes, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment before they had to get up and face the day. Eventually, Winter sighed and reluctantly pulled away. "We should probably get ready. We don't want to be late for the appointment."

Ryan nodded and sat up, stretching. "Yeah, you're right. Let's get moving."

The morning passed in a blur of routine: breakfast, showers, and getting dressed. As they prepared to leave, they found Wyatt and River in the kitchen, already up and making breakfast. Wyatt looked up and grinned. "Morning, you two. Big day today, huh?"

"Yep," Winter replied, trying to sound casual but unable to hide his nerves completely.

River came over and gave Winter a supportive hug. "It's going to be fine. We're all here for you."

"Thanks, River," Winter said, feeling a little more at ease. He appreciated having such a strong support system around him.

"Do you want us to come with you?" Wyatt asked, his expression serious.

Winter shook his head at his twin. "No, it's okay. I think it's something Ryan and I need to do together. But thanks for the offer."

"Alright," Wyatt said, giving him a warm smile. "But if you need anything, don't hesitate to call."

"We won't," Ryan assured him.

They finished breakfast, exchanged a few more words of encouragement, and then it was time to go. The drive to the clinic was quiet, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Ryan reached over and took Winter's hand, squeezing it gently. "You okay?" he asked softly.

Winter nodded. "Yeah. Just nervous, I guess. I know it's silly, but I can't help it."

"It's not silly at all," Ryan said. "I'm nervous too. But we're in this together, right?"

"Right," Winter agreed, squeezing his hand back.

~

They arrived at the clinic and checked in. The waiting room was bright and cheerful, but it did little to calm Winter's nerves. He was grateful for Ryan's steady presence beside him. After what felt like an eternity, they were called back into the examination room.

The doctor was kind and professional, explaining each step of the process as she prepared for the scan. Winter lay back on the examination table, his heart pounding in his chest. Ryan stood beside him, holding his hand tightly.

"Alright, let's take a look," the doctor said, applying the cool gel to Winter's stomach. She moved the ultrasound wand over his skin, her eyes focused on the screen.

For a moment, there was only silence. Winter held his breath, his eyes fixed on the doctor's face. Then she smiled and turned the screen so they could see. "There's your baby," she said gently.

For a moment, there was only silence. Winter held his breath, his eyes fixed on the doctor's face. Then she smiled and turned the screen so they could see. "There's your baby," she said gently.

Winter's eyes filled with tears as he stared at the tiny, flickering heartbeat on the screen. "Oh my God," he whispered. "That's our baby."

Ryan's grip on his hand tightened, and Winter looked up to see tears in his eyes too. "It's incredible," Ryan said, his voice choked with emotion. "Absolutely incredible."

The doctor continued the scan, taking measurements and explaining what they were seeing. Everything looked healthy and normal, and Winter felt a wave of relief wash over him. When it was over, the doctor printed out a few pictures for them and gave them some information about what to expect in the coming weeks.

As they left the clinic, Winter couldn't stop staring at the ultrasound pictures. "I can't believe it," he said softly. "We're really having a baby."

Ryan wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close. "Yeah, we are. And I couldn't be happier."

Winter looked up at him, his heart full. "Me too."

They drove back home, the excitement of the scan still buzzing between them. When they walked through the door, Wyatt and River were waiting anxiously in the living room. "Well?" Wyatt asked, practically bouncing with anticipation.

Winter couldn't keep the smile off his face. "Everything's perfect," he said, holding up the ultrasound pictures.

Wyatt and River erupted into cheers, rushing over to hug them both. "That's amazing news!" River exclaimed.

"We're so happy for you," Wyatt added, his eyes shining with joy.

As they all celebrated together, Winter felt a profound sense of gratitude. Despite the challenges and the uncertainties, he knew he was surrounded by love and support. And with Ryan by his side, he felt ready to face whatever the future held.