Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

23

Winter's hands absently rubbed his growing belly, a small smile playing on his lips as he felt a gentle kick in response.

Ryan entered the room, carrying a tray with a glass of water and a bowl of fresh strawberries. He set it down on the bedside table, then sat beside Winter, his eyes full of warmth and concern.

"How are you feeling?" Ryan asked.

"Restless," Winter admitted, his smile fading slightly. "I hate being stuck here while you guys do everything. I just want to help."

"I know, love. But you need to take it easy," Ryan said softly, pressing a kiss to Winter's forehead. "We're getting close, and I don't want anything to happen to you or the baby."

Winter sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. "I know, it's just... hard. I feel so useless."

"Hey, you're anything but useless," Ryan said firmly. "You're doing the most important job of all. And we can always use your help in other ways. How about we sort through the baby's clothes? It'll keep you busy, and we can make sure everything is ready."

Winter's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "I'd like that. It'll be nice to do something productive."

Ryan helped Winter sit up, making sure he was comfortable before retrieving a large box from the corner of the room. He placed it on the bed and began pulling out tiny outfits, laying them out for Winter to see.

Winter's face lit up as he began to pull out the soft fabrics, his fingers brushing over the delicate items with awe.

Ryan sat beside him, holding up a particularly adorable knitted green cardigan with bees embroidered on it. "What do you think of this one? It comes with brown trousers and a matching hat."

Winter's eyes welled up with tears, a mixture of hormones and overwhelming emotions. "It's perfect," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I can already picture our little one wearing it."

As they continued to sort through the clothes, laughter and the sound of clattering tools echoed from the next room. River and Wyatt were hard at work assembling the nursery furniture, their banter providing a comforting backdrop to the quiet moment Ryan and Winter shared.

"Do you think they'll manage to put everything together without breaking something?" Winter asked with a chuckle.

Ryan grinned. "I have faith in them. They've surprised us before."

"Hey, we heard that!" River called from the nursery. "We're doing just fine in here."

"Yeah," Wyatt added, his voice equally playful. "Just wait until you see the masterpiece we're creating."

Winter laughed, feeling a little lighter. "I can't wait to see it."

They continued their task in comfortable silence, each tiny outfit folded and sorted with care. The connection between them was palpable, a shared anticipation for the future they were building together.

"Ryan," Winter said quietly after a while, his eyes focused on a small pair of socks in his hands. "I'm scared."

Ryan looked up, concern etched on his face. "Scared of what, love?"

"Of being a parent. Of... everything, really," Winter admitted, his voice trembling slightly. "What if I'm not good enough? What if I can't do this?"

Ryan reached out, taking Winter's hand in his. "You are more than good enough, Winter. You're brave, kind, and loving. You've been through so much, and you've come out stronger. We'll figure this out together, one step at a time."

Winter squeezed Ryan's hand, taking comfort in his words. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," Ryan promised, his voice steady and sure. "I'm here for you, always."

As they finished sorting the baby clothes, the sound of triumphant cheers came from the nursery. River and Wyatt emerged, both grinning.

"Mission accomplished!" River declared, throwing an arm around Wyatt's shoulders. "The crib is assembled, and it didn't fall apart. Yet."

"Great job, guys," Ryan said, smiling at their antics. "Come on, Winter. Let's go see the baby's room."

With Ryan's help, Winter carefully stood up and made his way to the nursery. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of the beautifully assembled crib, complete with soft bedding and a mobile that played a gentle lullaby.

"It's perfect," Winter said, gratitude filling his eyes. "Thank you both so much."

"Anything for you," Wyatt said, giving his brother a hug. "We're all in this together."

River nodded, a warm smile on his face. "Family means everything. We'll be here every step of the way."

As Winter looked around the room, he felt a sense of peace settle over him. The road ahead was still uncertain, but with the support of those he loved, he knew they could face anything.

And as he felt another small kick from the baby growing inside him, Winter allowed himself to hope for the future. A future filled with love, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings.

~

Their moment was interrupted by a sudden sharp pain in Winter's abdomen. He gasped, clutching his belly. Ryan's face turned pale with worry. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

Winter took a few deep breaths, the pain subsiding slightly. "I think... I think it's just Braxton Hicks contractions. False labor. They've been happening more often lately."

Ryan nodded, though his concern didn't completely fade. "We should still keep an eye on it. Just to be safe."

Winter agreed, and they spent the rest of the evening relaxing, watching movies, and talking about their hopes and dreams for the future. As the night drew to a close, Ryan held Winter close, his hand resting protectively on Winter's belly.

"Just a few more weeks," Ryan murmured. "And we'll meet our little one."

Though it would happen sooner than they expected.