ONE SHOTS MARINA (ENGLISH)

16. Favorite firefighter

P.O.V. CARINA DELUCA-BISHOP

The sun was still rising in the sky, filling the house with a soft golden light that slightly warmed the morning. I was sitting in the lounge chair, watching Liam play on the floor next to me with some colorful bloquinhos.

My heart filled with love to every smile or laugh he let out, delighted with the small discoveries he made. I caressed the curve of my belly with affection, feeling the slight agitation of the baby that seemed to recognize the presence of the little brother playing next.

- Hey, Lilo - I called the baby softly, who looked at me with those big curious eyes, as if he understood every word - Let's surprise mommy Maya, okay?

He uttered a small laugh, showing the little teeth that were beginning to be born. I leaned to take him, feeling that familiar little warmth as I held him in my arms. He nested against me, and I took a moment to appreciate the comforting weight of him in my arms before we got up.

I walked to his room, where I had already prepared everything the night before. There, on the changing table, was the little outfit I had chosen: a small firefighter's uniform, with red helmet and black trousers with yellow reflective stripes. On the chest, in large letters, was written "PROBIE", a gift that Sullivan had given to Liam at his last midsummer.

- Come on, tesoro, let's turn into a little fireman to surprise mom - I murmured as I started dressing him.

Liam seemed confused at first, but soon realized it was fun, swinging his legs and laughing as I adjusted every piece of the uniform on him. The helmet was a little too big, but nothing that a quick adjustment would not solve. It was so lovely that my heart almost exploded with love.

I stepped away for a moment to admire the final work. My little one, in his firefighter's outfit, looked like a miniature of my wife. I could imagine her reaction to seeing our son dressed like that, and just thinking about it, my smile widened.

- Look, you're beautiful - I said, feeling a wave of emotion as I watched Liam try to grab his helmet - You'll make mommy so proud!

The clock on the wall showed that it was almost 10am. Maya was about to arrive at any moment, exhausted after a long shift, but I knew that this little surprise would be enough to renew her energies.

While we waited, I took him back to the room, where I put him on the activity mat. He began to crawl towards his toys, the helmet swaying a little, but remaining firm in the head.

A car parked. It was her.

- Bella, you're just in time! - I called, trying to contain my excitement as I approached the door.

I heard her open the door, and then her gentle steps down the hall. With each passing second, the expectation increased. Then when she finally entered the room, her tired look lit up instantly as she saw the scene before her.

-Oh, my God - she muttered, a hand rising to cover her mouth as her eyes widened at seeing Liam.

He, who was crawling towards her, raised his head, and let out a little laugh at seeing her. My wife instantly bent down, opening her arms to our little fireman.

— You're kidding me! Look at you, probie - she said, laughing as she took the baby in her lap, turning it slightly while he laughed with the movement.

I watched their interaction, my heart overflowing with love. The way Maya looked at Liam, with a mixture of pride and tenderness, was something I would never get tired of seeing. She was an amazing mother, and moments like these only reinforced how perfect our family was in our own way.

- I think we have a new recruit - she joked, kissing his cheek, who was happy with all the attention.

My wife smiled at me, a gleam of satisfaction in her eyes as she held Liam firmly.