Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

31

The next morning with it being a few days after Clarity's birth, Ryan knew it was time to share their joy with the world. He carefully positioned himself on the couch, holding Clarity against his chest. She was in active sleep, her tiny face scrunching up and relaxing, her little noises filling the room. He grabbed his phone and snapped a picture of them together, capturing the pure love and contentment of the moment.

With a deep breath, he opened Instagram, posted the picture, and typed out a heartfelt message.

"Everyone, meet Clarity June Rees, born four days ago. We're calling her CJ. Winter and I are over the moon with our little angel. We'll be back to filming soon, but for now, we're taking some time to get into a routine with our baby girl. Thank you all for your support and love."

Almost immediately, the notifications started pouring in. Kind words, congratulations, and heart emojis filled his screen. He felt a surge of gratitude for their supportive community.

Winter sat down next to him, peeking at the phone. "Wow, look at all those comments. People are really happy for us."

Ryan nodded, his eyes still on Clarity. "Yeah, they are. It feels good to share this happiness with everyone."

As Ryan watched his daughter sleep, he couldn't help but smile at the sweet noises she made in her active sleep. Her little grunts and groans, the way her eyes fluttered open and closed, and the noisy breaths she took were all part of her adorable charm.

Soon Clarity began to stir. Her small face scrunched up, and she let out a tiny whimper. Ryan knew what that meant. He looked over at Winter, who was resting on the other side of the couch, looking much better than he had the past few days.

"She's hungry again," Ryan said, gently lifting Clarity. "I'll go make her a bottle."

Winter smiled softly, a mixture of exhaustion and contentment on his face. "Thanks, Ry. I feel like I've been glued to that bed this whole week."

Ryan chuckled. "Well, you did just bring a new life into the world. You're allowed to rest." He leaned down, kissing Winter's forehead before heading to the kitchen.

He quickly prepared the formula, shaking the bottle to mix it well before returning to the living room.

Winter had made himself comfortable on the sofa, cradling Clarity as she whimpered softly. "Here we go, little one," he murmured, taking the bottle from Ryan. He gently teased the nipple against Clarity's lips until she latched on, suckling eagerly.

The day was filled with a whirlwind of feedings, diaper changes, and sleepless nights, but Ryan and Winter found their rhythm. Ryan was there every step of the way, supporting Winter as he healed and adjusting to their new life as parents. Clarity quickly became the center of their world.

Wyatt and River were overjoyed at the new addition to their family. Wyatt, in particular, was thrilled to be an uncle and spent hours holding CJ, marvelling at her tiny features.

Ryan and Winter sat together on the sofa, Clarity asleep in Winter's arms. They were exhausted but happy, their hearts full.

"I never imagined my life would turn out like this," Winter said softly, his eyes on his daughter.

Ryan squeezed his hand. "Neither did I, but I wouldn't change a thing. We've got a beautiful daughter and an amazing life ahead of us."

~

By the time Clarity was ready for another feed, Wyatt walked over to the kitchen and returned with a freshly prepared bottle, the steam still rising from the warm milk inside. He handed it to Ryan, who took it carefully.

"Here you go, man," Wyatt said, his voice soft. "You want me to take over, or you got this?"

"I got it," Ryan replied, looking at a now sleeping Winter on the sofa beside him on the sofa. "But thanks, Wyatt."

CJ latched onto the bottle hungrily, her small hands grasping at Ryan's fingers. He watched her in awe, amazed at the miracle they had created together. As she drank, Ryan thought back to the day Winter had told him about the pregnancy. It had been a whirlwind of emotions—shock, joy, fear—but they had faced it together, stronger than ever.

When CJ finished her bottle, Ryan gently moved her into a sitting position on his leg. He supported her head with one hand under her chin, his fingers resting on her cheeks, while he used his other hand to rub her back in an upward motion.

"Come on, sweetheart, let's get that burp out," he coaxed softly.

CJ squirmed a little, her eyes wide and curious. Ryan continued to rub her back, hoping for a small burp to signal she was comfortable. Instead, CJ's little body tensed, and suddenly, she brought back all the milk she had just consumed, covering Ryan's shirt in the process.

"Uh oh, CJ," Ryan murmured, startled by the sudden eruption.

CJ's eyes filled with tears, her tiny face scrunching up as she began to cry. Ryan quickly adjusted his hold on her, trying to soothe her.

"Hey... shh, shh It's okay, baby girl," he whispered, patting her back gently. "Daddy's got you."

Winter stirred, waking up to the sound of CJ's cries. He looked over, seeing the mess and the concerned look on Ryan's face.

"What happened?" Winter asked, standing up and walking over to them.

"She spit up all her milk," Ryan explained, his voice tinged with worry. "I was just trying to burp her."

Winter took CJ from Ryan's arms, cradling her against his chest and swaying gently. "Shh, it's okay, little one. Sometimes that happens."

CJ's cries began to subside as Winter's soothing presence worked its magic. Ryan watched them, feeling a rush of love and gratitude. They were a team, facing each challenge together.

Wyatt then brought a damp cloth in hand. "Thought you might need this," he said, handing it to Ryan.

"Thanks, man," Ryan replied, taking the cloth and wiping the milk off his shirt. "She's okay now, I think."

Winter nodded, still gently rocking CJ. "She's fine. Just a little upset."

As the minutes passed, CJ's cries turned to soft whimpers and then finally to peaceful breaths as she fell back asleep in Winter's arms. Ryan reached out.

"You're amazing," he said softly. "Both of you."

Winter smiled, leaning into Ryan's touch. "We're a team, remember? We've got this."

Ryan nodded, his heart full. They were navigating the ups and downs of parenthood together, and despite the sleepless nights and unexpected challenges, he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.