𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

A Future We Didn't Imagine PT 2| Request

AN: I had someone ask for a part two for this imagine, showing Y/N and Leon with their adopted baby girl, so here it is!

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Leon's fingers reach over and interlock mine as his blue eyes glance at me as he focuses on driving carefully. This morning's been more chaotic than I would've liked, and as if I wasn't already on edge about everything going smoothly, now my own mind decides to chime in and add to the ever-growing anxieties I'm currently facing. We're not far from the adoption centre now, after months of paperwork and visits from professionals, it's finally the day we pick up our baby girl, Sofie. I can't help but to stare at Leon's look of peace, I wonder if he's questioning everything too. Not our decision of course, but if we'll be good enough to raise a little girl who will one day be a fully fledged adult. 

"How're you feeling?" Leon softly asks, slowing the car at a red light before looking at me. I lift a shoulder, giving him a small, wobbly smile. He sees through it, and probably already knows exactly how I'm feeling. I take a deep breath, eyes drifting to a family walking down the street. 

"Nervous," I admit, voice barely above a whisper, "I'm excited too, but I guess this is a really big change in our lives, I'm ready as I can be, but that doesn't stop the doubts and worries creeping in. What about you?" Leon hums in agreement, giving my hand a comforting squeeze before breaking contact to scratch his chin as he contemplates his reply. 

"Honestly? I'm just the same. It's not going to be easy, and I'm already nervous about even holding her," He chuckles, "but I know that we're both going to do our best. We've prepared as much as we can, now it's just up to us to give her the best life we can." Leon smiles, soothing my nerves as I nod and return his smile. 

When we finally arrive at the adoption centre, my heart soars, the sounds of children's laugher fills the air as we wave and weave around playing children. A kind woman checks us in, then leads us to a cosy looking room, where our little girl awaits us. The second I lay eyes on her, my breath catches in awe. She's so tiny, and so, so perfect. I grin, eyes pricking with tears as I reach out tentatively and hold my finger to her, without hesitation she giggles and reaches a small hand to me, grabbing my finger as I laugh and gently shake our hands. Leon presses himself to my back, head resting on my shoulder as he grins, eyes shining with happiness as he wraps an arm around me. "Hello, little Sofie." I murmur, looking to the kind woman as she nods in permission for me to scoop the baby up. I do so with shaking hands, somehow already knowing exactly how to hold her as she nuzzles into me and releases my hand in favour of grabbing my hair. My smile only grows as I gently rock her, both me and Sofie stare at each other for a few seconds, and in that moment I know that she's my daughter in every way that matters. I'll be here for her, to wipe her tears and make her laugh, I'll chase away her nightmares and teach her everything I know, I'll love her unconditionally, and protect her from the world until she's ready to make a leap. 

Leon asks a few questions to the woman as I focus on Sofie, she smiles toothlessly up at me, still yanking on my hair which doesn't feel too good, but I know it's her way of getting acquainted with me. Leon hovers at my side, looking content to let me be, but I also know that he's itching to hold her, so regretfully I ease her into his outstretched arms, the sight of him holding such a tiny little human warms me to my bones, it feels to right, and I already know he's going to be the best father- though I dread the day little Sofie brings home a boy or girl. Leon coos at her, chuckling as she begins to make some noises. "Yeah? I think we'll get along great too. No way, I was about to say the same thing!" He jokes, his playful side shines with the little baby, and Sofie's gooey smile only grows until she's giggling adorably. The kind woman nods, looking between us with a proud look. 

"You're both natural parents to her, I know she's going to have a very good life with you." She compliments. After some more paperwork and a quick nappy change (which Leon does), we finally leave the adoption centre with our daughter. The car ride home feels surreal, I keep looking in the backseat to check on Sofie, even though she's fast asleep. The shock hasn't come yet, but I'm sure it will. Leon seems to do the same, and I can already see the change in his driving- he's like an old man, overly precautious and slow. I stifle a laugh, both of us elated and on cloud nine until we get home. I carefully grab the bags as Leon lifts Sofie out, she's a deep sleeper for a baby, which only proves she's the perfect angel. Once everything's put away and Sofie's in her crib, I finally look around, feeling lost and uncertain. What do I do now? 

Just as I switch on the TV, Sofie's cries echo around the apartment. Leon and I rush to her room, finding her in distress. Leon scoops her up as my lip wobbles, I hate the sight of her tears and knowing she's probably confused. Thankfully, where I lack confidence, Leon shines. He coos to her, kissing her head before playfully showing her around the apartment, I laugh at his ridiculous voices and his teasing, and before I know it Sofie's giggling once more, reaching her hands out to me. I take her, giving her cuddles as Leon prepares her a bottle. We've got a routine written down, but I know it could all change since life is unpredictable. I watch as Leon prepares the formula with the precision of a scientist, narrowing his eyes as he makes sure every scoop is accurate, and he even tries some of the milk before pulling a face that make both me and Sofie snort. 

"Who's going to feed her for the first time?" I ask, since we both want to have the honour. Leon pinches his lips together, clutching the bottle until he passes it to me. It might not seem like a big deal to others, but we're savouring every first moment with Sofie. 

"I changed her first, so you can feed her first." Leon softly offers. I nod, softly thanking him before we move to the sofa, where I prop Sofie up nervously in my arms before feeding her. I hold my breath, waiting for something bad to happen, my heart races as she sucks the bottle and clings to it...and nothing goes wrong. Sofie blinks up at me, brown eyes wide and cute as I smile and begin to relax. Leon watches, an arm drapes across my shoulders as we both soak in Sofie's first feeding. Not long after, we both take turns trying to burp her, and Leon praises her when she releases the biggest burp I've ever heard from a baby. I just roll my eyes at his dramatics, but laugh regardless. 

As night falls, I gently rock Sofie in my arms as a movie plays on the TV. Neither Leon or I are watching it though, as our daughter sleeps soundly nuzzled into my chest. I stroke her baby hairs, chubby cheeks occasionally moving as she opens and closes her mouth- it's perfect. "I'm so grateful for our family" Leon murmurs quietly, "it's not even been a day, but I'm already the happiest man alive." I lean over, pecking his lips as he smiles and leans his head on my shoulder. Sofie stirs, but doesn't wake as we sit there for hours taking it all in. 

The next few weeks are filled with challenges. From sleepless nights to medical scares what turn out to be just us panicking, it's a fluffy of emotions, but none outweigh the joy Sofie's brought to our lives. Leon and I are a team in parenthood, both being strong where the other is weak. Together we bring up Sofie in a safe home, filled with love and laughter. We'd been through ups and downs to get here, but it was so worth it.