Hearts on Broadway (Book 2)

Chapter 1 - A New Beginning

The sun crept over the horizon, casting a golden light through the curtains of the farmhouse. Morgan Wallen stood in the living room, gently rocking baby Jackson in his arms. The little boy was wide awake, his big blue eyes taking in the morning light, his tiny fingers curling around Morgan's shirt.

Morgan hummed softly, his voice low as he walked slowly around the house, trying not to wake Georgie. He glanced at the clock—it was early, but he didn't mind. In fact, these quiet moments in the morning had become his favorite part of the day. Just him and Jackson, the world still asleep.

"You're a little early riser, aren't you, buddy?" Morgan whispered with a smile as Jackson cooed softly, his tiny face lighting up. "Guess that's the price you pay for being this cute."

He glanced down at Jackson's peaceful expression and couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. It had only been two months, but already, he couldn't imagine life without his son. Everything felt different now, in the best possible way.

As he made his way into the kitchen, the sound of soft footsteps caught his attention. Georgie appeared in the doorway, her hair slightly tousled from sleep, a tired but content smile on her face.

"Good morning," she said quietly, making her way over to them.

"Morning, babe," Morgan replied, leaning in to kiss her softly on the forehead. "Didn't want to wake you. Figured you could use the rest."

Georgie smiled, brushing a hand gently over Jackson's head. "I appreciate it. He's been keeping us on our toes, huh?"

"Yeah, but we wouldn't have it any other way." Morgan smiled, shifting Jackson slightly so Georgie could take him.

As soon as she held Jackson close, her heart swelled with love. Every day with him felt like a new adventure, and even though the sleepless nights were tough, she wouldn't trade it for the world. He was her everything.

They moved to the kitchen together, Georgie settling Jackson into his little bouncer while Morgan began prepping breakfast. The smell of fresh coffee filled the room as the early light bathed their cozy farmhouse in a soft glow. It felt like a dream—this life they'd built together, taking time off from the craziness of their careers to just focus on being a family.

"I can't believe he's two months old already," Georgie mused as she watched Jackson kick his tiny feet in the air, a smile playing on her lips. "Time's flying."

Morgan nodded, setting two plates of scrambled eggs on the table before grabbing his coffee. "Yeah, it is. But he's already so much like you. Strong, stubborn," he teased, giving her a wink.

Georgie chuckled, shaking her head. "I'd say he's more like you. Look at him—he's already got that mischievous grin."

They ate breakfast together, exchanging lighthearted banter and stories about their early days as parents. Between the feedings, the diaper changes, and the sleepless nights, they'd become a solid team, and even though it wasn't always easy, they were proud of how far they'd come.

The morning passed in a blissful haze. After breakfast, they spent the afternoon outside on their farm, the warm sun overhead and a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. Morgan strapped Jackson into a baby carrier, and they strolled through the property, taking in the peaceful surroundings. Georgie snapped photos along the way, laughing as Morgan made funny faces at Jackson, who giggled in response.

"He's definitely going to be a little adventurer, just like his dad," Georgie said with a grin, snapping another picture as Morgan pretended to race around the yard, Jackson bouncing happily against his chest.

Morgan laughed, pausing to catch his breath. "Maybe. But he's definitely got your determination. Look at him—already trying to figure everything out."

As they walked, they talked about the future. Morgan mentioned some upcoming projects, though he was in no rush to get back to work just yet. Georgie was eager to return to music eventually, but for now, she was content staying at home, savoring these moments with her family.

By the time the afternoon turned to evening, they were back at the house, playing with Jackson in the living room. And then, out of nowhere, it happened—Jackson let out his first laugh, a soft, sweet sound that filled the room like music.

Both Morgan and Georgie froze, their eyes wide with joy.

"Did you hear that?" Georgie whispered, her hand flying to her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes.

Morgan grinned, his heart swelling. "Yeah, I did. Little man's got quite the laugh on him."

They sat in awe for a moment, watching as Jackson's face lit up again, his tiny body wriggling with excitement. The sound of his laughter was infectious, and soon enough, both parents were laughing along with him.

"That was perfect," Georgie said softly, brushing a tear from her cheek. "I'll never forget this moment."

Morgan wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "Neither will I."

As the day wound down, they put Jackson to bed, tucking him into his crib and watching as his tiny chest rose and fell with each peaceful breath. There was a quiet contentment in the air, a sense of calm that made everything feel right.

Later that night, Morgan and Georgie sat together on the porch, wrapped in a blanket as they watched the stars twinkle above. The house was quiet now, with Jackson sound asleep, and for the first time in what felt like ages, they had a moment to themselves.

"I don't think I've ever been this happy," Morgan said softly, his hand resting on Georgie's knee. "We've got everything we could ever want right here."

Georgie nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. "Yeah, we do. I feel so lucky."

There was a brief pause, and for a split second, a flicker of doubt crossed Georgie's mind. But she pushed it away, not wanting to disrupt the peacefulness of the night. She was happy—more than she had ever been. And yet, there was something lingering in the back of her mind, something she couldn't quite shake. But that was a thought for another day. Tonight, she was content to just be here, with Morgan and Jackson, soaking in the love they shared.

"I'm so proud of you, Georgie," Morgan said softly, kissing her temple. "You're an amazing mom."

Georgie smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. "I couldn't do it without you."

As they sat together, watching the stars, the future felt bright. They had each other, and they had Jackson. And for now, that was more than enough.