Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

27

Winter Hausman stirred, slowly coming out of a deep, much-needed sleep. The exhaustion from the arduous thirty-six-hour labor was still clinging to his bones, but there was an underlying excitement and a sense of newfound freedom. He blinked his eyes open, adjusting to the soft evening light filtering through the curtains. As his vision cleared, he saw Ryan sitting beside the bed, gently rocking CJ.

Ryan looked up as Winter awoke, a tender smile spreading across his face. "Hey sleepyhead," he said softly, careful not to wake the baby.

Winter smiled back, feeling a rush of warmth and love. "Hey," he replied, his voice a bit hoarse from the long hours of labor. "How's our girl?"

"She's perfect," Ryan said, his eyes shimmering with pride. "Hungry, though. River just bringing her bottle."

As if on cue, River entered the room, carrying a warm bottle of milk. "Here you go, Winter," he said, handing the bottle over. "I'll leave you two to it."

Winter reached out and took the bottle, feeling a sense of gratitude and affection for River. "Thanks, Riv," he said, his voice filled with appreciation.

River gave them a wink and a smile before slipping out of the room, leaving the new fathers to their privacy. Ryan carefully handed CJ over to Winter, who cradled her in his arms for the first time since her birth. The tiny bundle of joy squirmed slightly, her eyes fluttering open as she sensed her other father's presence.

Winter gazed down at his daughter, overwhelmed by the rush of emotions. "Hi, baby," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "I'm also your daddy.", he spoke with a chuckle leaving his lips before pressing a kiss to her forehead.

CJ's small hand wrapped around Winter's finger, and he felt his heart swell with love. The bond he felt with her was instantaneous, and he knew that despite the challenges ahead, he would do everything in his power to protect and cherish her.

Winter nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He carefully positioned the bottle and began feeding CJ, watching as she latched on and started drinking. The room was filled with a serene silence, broken only by the soft sounds of their daughter feeding.

As Winter fed CJ, he reflected on the journey that had brought him here. Leaving his abusive relationship had been one of the hardest things he had ever done, but finding solace and love with Ryan had made it all worthwhile. Their friendship had blossomed into something beautiful, and now, they have a baby together.

As CJ finished her bottle, he gently burped her, marveling at the tiny life they had created. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but with Ryan by his side, he felt ready to face anything.

"I can't believe she's here," Winter said, his voice filled with wonder. "Our little girl."

Ryan nodded, his eyes misting over. "She's a miracle," he agreed. "And so are you, Winter. You're the strongest person I know."

Winter smiled, a tear slipping down his cheek. "We're going to be okay, aren't we?"

Ryan squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "More than okay," he promised. "We're going to be amazing."

As they sat together, the reality of their new life began to sink in. They were a family now, facing the future with hope and love. Despite the challenges ahead, Ryan and Winter knew they had each other—and that made all the difference.

Outside the bedroom, River and Wyatt exchanged a glance, knowing their friends were embarking on a beautiful journey. River grinned, nudging Wyatt. "Looks like we're uncles now," he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

Wyatt chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, we are. And I have a feeling this little girl is going to bring a lot of light into all our lives."

As the house settled into a new rhythm, filled with the soft sounds of CJ's coos and the laughter of her fathers, it was clear that they all—were ready to embrace the future with open arms.

~

Twenty four hours later and they were starting to get settled in with Clarity.

"Ryan," Winter's voice was soft and tired from the bed. He looked over, meeting the blue eyes of Wyatt's twin brother and his partner. Winter's pale face was drawn with fatigue, but his smile was radiant. "Can you help me to the bathroom?"

"Of course," Ryan replied, placing CJ carefully into the bassinet. He moved to Winter's side and wrapped a supportive arm around his waist, helping him to sit up. Winter winced slightly but tried to hide the discomfort with a brave smile.

"I know I should be stronger, but I still feel so weak," Winter admitted as Ryan helped him swing his legs over the side of the bed.

"Hey, you just gave birth. You're the strongest person I know," Ryan said, kissing Winter's temple.

Winter chuckled weakly, leaning into Ryan as they made their slow way to the bathroom. Each step was a challenge, but Winter was determined. When they finally reached the bathroom, Ryan helped Winter sit on the toilet. Winter sighed heavily, relief and frustration mingling in the sound.

"Can you turn on the sink tap?" Winter asked, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "I can't seem to... you know, get started."

Ryan smiled warmly and obliged, twisting the tap to let the water flow. The sound of running water filled the small space, and after a moment, Winter managed to pee. Ryan gave a quiet cheer, raising his fist in triumph.

"Victory!" Ryan whispered.

Winter was just shaking his head. "Oh Ha, Ha," he said with a sarcastic laugh, but his eyes sparkled with affection.

Ryan helped Winter back to bed, settling him in comfortably before returning to check on CJ. She was still peacefully asleep, her tiny fists curled near her face.

"She's perfect," Winter murmured, his eyes fixed on their daughter.

"I can't believe it's been a year since we got together. So much has changed."

"Yeah," Winter agreed, squeezing Ryan's hand. "I never imagined I'd find someone like you, let alone start a family. It's been a wild ride."

Ryan leaned in and kissed Winter gently. "And it's just the beginning. We have so many more adventures ahead."

Winter nodded, feeling a surge of love and gratitude. "I would have liked for us to go out tonight, ride the motorbike, have a nice meal. But I guess bed rest is more important right now."

Ryan smiled. "There will be plenty of time for that. Right now, let's just enjoy being together, the three of us."

Wyatt and River popped in occasionally, offering help. The room was filled with the quiet sounds of their new family life—CJ's soft breaths, Winter's murmurs, and Ryan's gentle reassurances.

Ryan and Winter lay side by side on the bed, CJ nestled between them. They watched her tiny chest rise and fall, their hearts swelling with love and wonder.