Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

19

The early morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the cozy living room. The house was quiet, save for the soft sounds of a kettle boiling in the kitchen. Ryan was already up, his mind preoccupied with the day's plans. Today was the sixteen-week scan, and the anticipation was building up inside him like a brewing storm. He poured himself a cup of coffee, the rich aroma filling the air, and leaned against the counter, lost in thought.

"Morning," came a sleepy voice from the doorway. Ryan turned to see Winter, his hair tousled from sleep, standing there in a pair of loose pajamas. His small baby bump was visible beneath the fabric, a gentle reminder of the life growing inside him.

"Morning, babe," Ryan replied, a warm smile spreading across his face. He put down his cup and walked over to Winter, wrapping his arms around him in a gentle embrace. "How did you sleep?"

"Pretty well, considering," Winter replied, resting his head against Ryan's chest. The comfort of Ryan's embrace was something he had come to cherish deeply. After the trauma of his previous relationship, the safety and love he found in Ryan's arms were a healing balm to his soul.

"Today's the big day," Ryan said, his voice tinged with excitement. "Are you ready for the scan?"

Winter nodded, a mixture of nervousness and excitement playing across his features. "Yeah, I guess. It's just... it's all happening so fast. Sometimes it feels like a dream."

Ryan kissed him. "A good dream, I hope."

"The best," Winter replied, smiling up at him. "I wouldn't trade this for anything."

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's warmth, before the sound of footsteps broke the silence. Wyatt and River emerged from their rooms, yawning and stretching.

"Hey, lovebirds," Wyatt called out with a grin. "Big day today, huh?"

"Yep," Ryan said, releasing Winter reluctantly. "We're heading to the clinic in a bit for the sixteen-week scan."

"That's exciting!" River exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. "Do you think you'll find out the gender today?"

Ryan glanced at Winter, who shook his head. "We talked about it, and we decided to keep it a surprise," Winter said. "We want to wait until the baby is born."

"That's awesome," Wyatt said, clapping Ryan on the back. "More power to you guys. I don't think I could handle the suspense."

As they all sat down for breakfast, the conversation flowed easily. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, there was an undeniable sense of camaraderie and support in the house.

~

After breakfast, Ryan and Winter got ready for the appointment. Winter took a moment to stand in front of the mirror, his hands resting gently on his small bump. He marveled at the changes in his body, a mixture of awe and disbelief in his eyes. Ryan came up behind him, wrapping his arms around his waist and resting his chin on Winter's shoulder.

"Look at us," Ryan said softly, their reflections staring back at them. "Can you believe we're going to be parents?"

Winter smiled, placing his hands over Ryan's. "It's surreal. But I'm so happy, Ry. I've never felt this way before."

Ryan tightened his embrace, pressing a kiss to Winter's neck. Me too."

As they arrived at the clinic, the nerves began to set in. The waiting room was filled with other expectant parents, each lost in their own thoughts and worries. Winter held Ryan's hand tightly, drawing strength from his presence.

When their names were called, they followed the nurse into the examination room. Winter lay down on the table, lifting his shirt to expose his bump. The cold gel made him shiver, but Ryan's warm hand in his kept him grounded.

The ultrasound technician moved the wand over Winter's abdomen, and soon, the screen flickered to life with the image of their baby. Winter and Ryan's eyes filled with happiness as they heard the tiny, beating heart and the delicate outline of their child.

"Everything looks perfect," the technician said with a smile. "Would you like to know the gender?"

Ryan looked at Winter, who shook his head. "No, we want to keep it a surprise," Winter said, his voice trembling with emotion.

The technician nodded. "That's a wonderful choice. Your baby is healthy and developing beautifully."

As they left the clinic, Winter felt a sense of peace wash over him. The love and support of his new family, the anticipation of their baby's arrival, and the deepening bond with Ryan made him feel stronger than ever.

Back at home, they gathered in the living room with Wyatt and River, sharing the news from the scan. There were hugs, laughter, and tears of joy, a testament to the journey they had all been on together.

That evening, as Ryan and Winter lay in bed, they talked about their hopes and dreams for their child. "I want them to grow up knowing they're loved," Winter said softly. "I want them to feel safe and supported, no matter what."

"They will," Ryan promised, holding Winter close. "We'll make sure of it. Together."

As they drifted off to sleep, their hands intertwined over Winter's bump, they knew that whatever the future held, they would face it together, with love and strength guiding their way.