Chapter 24

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Previously on Two new members in the FBI

Jackson's Pov

"I love this little guy already," I whispered, glancing at Stiles.

"Me too," he said softly, leaning closer to me. "And I can't wait to see the amazing person he'll become."

As the movie played on, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. The journey into parenthood was unfolding before us, and I knew that no matter the challenges we faced, we would face them together. And in that moment, I felt a profound sense of peace, knowing that our family was on the brink of something extraordinary.

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Jackson's Pov

26 weeks pregnant

At 26 weeks pregnant, the reality of my pregnancy had firmly settled in. My belly was now unmistakably round, a beautiful testament to the life growing inside me. Each day, I marveled at the changes my body was undergoing, both in preparation for labor and in nurturing our baby boy. At this stage, he was about the size of a large eggplant, measuring roughly 14 inches from crown to rump and weighing nearly 2 pounds. His development progressed steadily—his bones were hardening, his lungs were maturing, and his senses were becoming more acute. I could hear the distant sounds of traffic and voices, and sometimes, during quiet moments, I thought I could make out snippets of conversation.

Physically, I was experiencing a mix of discomforts and joys. The backache that had been a persistent companion was now more intense, a deep, throbbing ache that made sitting for long periods unbearable. I had started using a maternity support belt, which provided some relief by redistributing the weight of my growing belly. My hips felt even looser, and I swayed side to side as I walked, trying to find a balance that didn't send sharp pains through my lower back.

Sleep had become elusive. Finding a comfortable position was a nightly challenge, despite the extra pillows strategically placed around me. I often woke up feeling restless, my mind racing with thoughts about our son's future and impending arrival. Yet, there were moments of pure joy—like feeling him move for the first time, or hearing his tiny heartbeat during a routine check-up—that made all the discomfort worthwhile.

One afternoon, after a long day of desk duty at Fornell's team, I returned home feeling particularly drained. The weight of the day and the aches in my back made it hard to keep my spirits up. As I sank into the couch, Stiles joined me, carrying two mugs of herbal tea.

"Here you go," he said, handing me a mug. "You look like you could use this."

"Thanks," I replied, taking a sip and feeling the warmth spread through me. "It's been a rough day."

Stiles sat down beside me, his hand reaching out to gently rub my back. "I know it's tough, but you're doing an amazing job. Just remember to take it easy."

"I'm trying," I said, leaning into his touch. "But sometimes it feels like there's so much to juggle."

He nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "I get it. But we're a team, right? You don't have to handle everything on your own."

I smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude for his unwavering support. "Yeah, you're right. I'm lucky to have you."

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds the soft ticking of the clock and the occasional crackle from the fireplace. The baby continued moving beneath my hand, reminding me of the life we created together.

After a few minutes, Stiles spoke up. "Have you thought more about the birthing plan? I know we talked about it last week, but I just want to make sure we're on the same page."

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