Highschool Lovers

Pretzles

I glance down at my growing belly, and a small giggle escapes my lips. I can't believe I'm pregnant with baby number two! My dear Mia, only a year and a half old, looks up at me with her big, curious eyes. Her golden hair tumbles down, framing her adorable chubby cheeks. If it weren't for those green eyes that match her daddy's, I'd think she was sculpted from pure sweetness.

"Mama?" she says, her tiny voice filled with confusion.

"Yes, sweet pea?" I respond, bending down to her level, my hands resting on my belly.

"Why?" she asks, pointing at my tummy. "Tummy big?"

I can't help but smile wider. How do I explain to my baby girl that this roundness means she'll have a little sibling soon? "Well, you see, Mia," I begin, trying to simplify my explanation, "a little baby is growing in my tummy. Just like you grew in there, too!"

Her eyebrows furrow as she processes this, and I feel a wave of warmth course through me. "Baby?" she asks, her head tilting to one side.

"Yes, baby! Your little brother or sister!" I say excitedly, and I watch those big eyes grow even wider.

"Baaaaby!" she giggles, her confusion quickly turning to delight.

Before I can revel in the moment, my stomach lets out a loud growl—a reminder of my current craving. Why am I suddenly craving pretzels? It's almost comical for a soon-to-be mommy. "Oh! Speaking of babies... Mommy's craving pretzels!" I chuckle.

"Pretzel?" she repeats, adding a little bounce to her stance. It's almost like she's copying a little dance I made up.

"Yep! They're soft, salty, and oh so delicious!" I try to explain, my mouth watering at the mere thought. "Let's see if Daddy can get some for us. Would you like that?"

Mia claps her hands together, her excitement radiating into the room. "Dada!"

"Exactly! Let me call him." I pull out my phone to text Adrien. As I do, I feel Mia tugging on my pants.

"Dada come?" she asks, and I can't help but chuckle. Her little words are so precious, and her eagerness is infectious.

"I just sent him a message. He'll be here soon. I can't wait for you to try pretzels with Mommy!" I tease, squeezing her cheeks together, leading to an adorable expression.

"Pretzel! Yum!" She jumps up and down, completely unaware that she's already stolen my heart a million times over.

Moments later, I hear the door creak open. "Hey there!" Adrien's voice floats in, instantly calming me. The sight of him always makes my heart flutter—his messily styled blonde hair, those bright green eyes, and that charming smile that could light up a whole city.

"Dada!" Mia squeals, rushing towards him.

"Mia!" he laughs, scooping her up in his arms, twirling her around before placing her on the ground. "What is all this energy about?"

"Pretzel!" she exclaims, pointing at me with excitement.

Adrien raises an eyebrow, glancing at me. "Pretzel?"

"Yes! I want some!" I say, trying to maintain a straight face.

"You got it! How many pretzels does the queen desire?" he replies, giving me an exaggerated bow, which makes Mia giggle uncontrollably.

"Umm... two," I say, thinking of my cravings. "Maybe three?"

Adrien chuckles. "Three pretzels coming right up! I'll be back in a flash!" He turns and heads for the door again, but pauses for a moment, looking back at me. "By the way, how's my favorite tummy doing?"

I laugh and pat my belly, feeling the little kicks. "Just growing, thanks to our sweet little bean," I say, grinning.

Mia watches us, her little thumb in her mouth, her brows furrowed in thought again. "Dada bring pretzel, Mama eat?"

"Yes, exactly!" I say, encouraging her to connect the dots.

"Dada, Mama, Mia, baby!" she beams, and my heart melts at her little grouping of family members. I can't wait till she meets her sibling; I know they'll be the best of friends.

"Oh, sweetheart, yes!" I respond, bursting with pride. "We are all going to be one big happy family."

"Happy family!" she echoes, repeating every word I say, her little voice filling the room.

Just then, Adrien comes back, a bag of pretzels in hand. "Your royal pretzels!" he announces, lifting the bag triumphantly over his head with a grand flourish.

Mia squeals with delight, and I can't help but join in the laughter. "Look, baby! Daddy's the best! Now we can enjoy these together!"

As we munch on the delicious pretzels, with Mia trying to take bites way too big for her tiny mouth, I reflect on how lucky I am. A wonderful husband, a beautiful little girl, and soon, a new addition to our family. Life feels perfect at this moment.

"Mama!" Mia exclaims, her mouth full, "More pleeease!"

"Looks like someone has a big appetite for pretzels!" Adrien chuckles. "Just like her mommy!"

I laugh, nodding in agreement. "Yes, just like me!"

And as the three of us sit together, sharing laughter and food, I can't wait to see what other surprises this new baby will bring into our lives.