Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

28

A little while later, a soft knock on the door. Ryan turned to see River, poking his head in.

"Hey, guys," River said with a grin. "How are you feeling, Winter?"

"Exhausted," Winter admitted. "But happy."

"Well, you deserve to rest," River said. "But we have a little surprise for you. Give us a few minutes, and then come out to the kitchen."

Winter looked at Ryan, curiosity piqued. "What do you think they're up to?"

"Knowing River and Wyatt, who knows?" Ryan chuckled. "But I'm sure it's something good."

With Ryan's help, Winter slowly stood up, CJ still cradled in his arms. His body was sore, and every movement felt like a monumental effort, but the excitement of the surprise gave him a burst of energy. They made their way to the kitchen, Ryan's arm around Winter's waist for support.

As they entered the kitchen, they were greeted by an unexpected sight. River and Wyatt were dressed up as waiters, complete with bow ties and aprons. The table was set with their finest dinnerware, and the aroma of a delicious meal filled the room.

"Surprise!" River and Wyatt chorused.

Winter's eyes widened. "Oh my goodness, you guys did all this?"

"Happy anniversary!" Wyatt said, grinning from ear to ear. "We know you couldn't go out to celebrate, so we brought the celebration to you."

Ryan's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "This is incredible. Thank you so much."

"Please, have a seat," River said, pulling out a chair for Winter. "You too, Ry."

Winter carefully sat down, adjusting CJ in his arms. Ryan took the seat next to him, his hand never leaving Winter's. River and Wyatt began serving the meal, starting with a fresh garden salad, followed by a main course of grilled salmon with roasted vegetables, and finally, a decadent chocolate cake for dessert.

"This looks amazing," Winter said, taking a bite of the salmon. "You two really outdid yourselves."

"We just wanted to do something special for you guys," Wyatt said. "You've both been through so much, and we're so happy for you."

Ryan looked around the table, his heart swelling with love and appreciation for his friends and family. "We're lucky to have you both in our lives."

As they enjoyed their meal, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and stories. Winter felt a warmth spread through him, a sense of belonging and contentment that he hadn't felt in a long time. Despite the challenges and hardships they had faced, he knew they were all stronger for it.

After dinner, they moved to the living room, where they continued to talk and laugh. Winter leaned back against Ryan, feeling his warmth and strength. CJ slept peacefully in his arms, a tiny bundle of joy that had brought them all closer together.

"Thank you," Winter whispered to Ryan, his voice filled with emotion. "For everything."

Ryan kissed the top of Winter's head. "Thank you, Winter. For giving me the best year of my life."

As the night wore on, Winter felt himself growing sleepy. He knew his body needed rest, but he was reluctant to let go of the moment. Eventually, Ryan helped him back to their bedroom, where they laid down with CJ once again nestled between them.

"Happy anniversary, love," Ryan whispered, kissing Winter softly.

"Happy anniversary," Winter replied, his eyes closing as he drifted off to sleep, surrounded by love and the promise of many more happy years to come.

~

The house was wrapped in the tranquil stillness of night, broken only by the soft snores of Winter, who was completely out for the count, sprawled peacefully across the bed. The air was thick with the warmth of contentment, the sort that only comes from newfound love and the arrival of new life. Ryan lay beside his slumbering partner, their fingers loosely entwined even in sleep, their breaths synchronized in a comforting rhythm. It was hard to believe that it had been almost a year since Winter had moved in, seeking refuge from a past that seemed so distant now. That past had been replaced by a future brightened by love and the tiny, precious bundle asleep in her bassinet.

As if on cue, Clarity June began to stir. Her small noises of discontent soon grew into soft whines, and Ryan's fatherly instincts kicked in immediately. He carefully slipped out of bed, making sure not to disturb Winter. He tiptoed to the bassinet and gently picked up his daughter, cradling her with the expertise that came from months of practice. Clarity's fussing intensified, her little face scrunching up in a way that made Ryan's heart swell with love.

"Hey there, little one," Ryan whispered, kissing her forehead softly. "I know, I know. It's time for your bottle, isn't it?"

Clarity's tiny pout was endearing, even as she expressed her impatience. Ryan chuckled quietly, shushing her gently as he walked her out of the bedroom and into the dimly lit kitchen. The house was silent, save for the quiet hum of the refrigerator and the soft creaks of the wooden floor beneath his feet. Ryan's movements were automatic; He filled a bottle with formula, to then warm it, to then testing the temperature on his wrist before offering it to Clarity.

"There we go, sweetheart," he cooed, as Clarity latched onto the bottle hungrily. Her fussing ceased almost instantly, replaced by the rhythmic sounds of her suckling. Ryan's heart melted at the sight. He pressed a gentle kiss to her button nose, eliciting a tiny contented sigh from his daughter.

He continued to speak softly, his voice a soothing melody in the quiet night. "You know, today is a special day. It's been a whole year since your daddy and I got together. And now, here you are, making our little family complete."

Clarity's eyes fluttered open briefly, and she looked up at Ryan with wide, curious eyes before closing them again, content and peaceful. Ryan felt a rush of emotion, his heart swelling with love for his daughter and gratitude for the life they had built.

"Your papa and I went through a lot to get here, but it was all worth it. You are our greatest adventure, Clarity June," Ryan continued, his voice filled with emotion. "And we promise to give you all the love and happiness in the world."

He held her close, savouring the quiet moment between himself and his daughter. The past year had been a journey of healing, love, and discovery. From Winter's escape from his past to finding love with Ryan, and now, welcoming their beautiful daughter into the world, their story was one of resilience and hope.

Clarity's suckling slowed, her eyelids growing heavier with each passing moment. Ryan smiled, shifting her slightly to ensure she was comfortable. The bottle was nearly empty, and she was drifting off to sleep again, satiated and secure in her father's arms.

He sat there for a while longer, simply holding her, feeling the rise and fall of her tiny chest against his own. The quiet of the house enveloped them, creating a cocoon of peace and contentment. Eventually, he rose carefully, making his way back to the bedroom. Winter was still asleep, his face serene in the soft glow of the moonlight streaming through the window.

Ryan placed Clarity back in her bassinet, tucking her in gently. He leaned down to brush a kiss against Winter's temple before climbing back into bed beside him. Winter stirred slightly, instinctively reaching out for Ryan in his sleep. Ryan took his hand, squeezing it reassuringly.