More Than Friends

Chapter 37: Movin' Forward

It had been weeks since Nicole and Devin had their last deep conversation about kids, and ever since then, Nicole had been thinkin' hard about what she truly wanted. She spent time reflectin' on her fears, wonderin' if maybe she was lettin' her own doubts hold her back from somethin' that could be beautiful. Every time she thought about Devin's quiet longing for a family, it tugged at her heart. He had been so patient, so understandin', and now, it was time for her to give him the answer she knew he had been waitin' for.

One evenin', after dinner, Nicole felt ready. She and Devin were relaxin' on the couch, and the atmosphere in the room was calm and peaceful. But inside, Nicole's heart was racin'. She knew this was a big moment for both of them.

Devin glanced over at her, noticin' the look on her face. "You okay, Nic? You look like you got somethin' on your mind."

Nicole took a deep breath, turnin' to face him. "Yeah, I do. I been thinkin' about what we talked about...about kids."

Devin's expression softened, and he sat up a little straighter, givin' her his full attention. "Okay...what you been thinkin'?"

Nicole's heart raced, but she felt ready to tell him. "I made a decision."

Devin's eyes searched hers, full of love but also uncertainty. "And?"

Nicole smiled softly, takin' his hand in hers. "I wanna have kids with you, Dev. I'm ready."

For a moment, Devin just stared at her, almost as if he hadn't heard her right. Then, slowly, a huge smile spread across his face, and his eyes lit up with excitement. "For real? You serious, Nic?"

Nicole nodded, her own smile growin' as she saw the joy in his eyes. "Yeah, I'm serious. I thought about it for a long time, and I realized that havin' kids with you...that's somethin' I really want. I was scared before, but now I'm ready. I'm ready to start a family with you."

Devin didn't waste another second. He pulled her into his arms, holdin' her tight, his heart poundin' with happiness. "Nic, you don't know how much this means to me. I can't even explain it."

Nicole laughed softly, feelin' his excitement. "I think I can tell."

Devin pulled back, cuppin' her face in his hands, his eyes full of love and gratitude. "You sure you ready for this? I don't want you to feel like you had to change your mind for me."

Nicole shook her head, her heart full. "I didn't change my mind for you. I changed it for us. I realized that we can do this together, and that havin' a family with you would be the best thing. I'm all in, Dev."

Devin smiled, kissin' her softly, his heart soar in' with the joy of finally hearin' the words he had been hopin' for. "I'm so happy right now, Nic. You don't even know."

Nicole grinned, feelin' a sense of peace settle over her. "I'm happy too. And I can't wait to see what the future holds for us."

A New Chapter Begins

The next few days were filled with excitement and plans for the future. Devin couldn't stop talkin' about all the things they would do—decoratin' the nursery, pickin' out baby names, imaginin' what it would be like to raise their child together. Nicole had never seen him so happy, and it filled her with joy to know that she had made the right decision.

One evenin', as they sat on the couch, talkin' about the future, Devin turned to Nicole, his eyes full of emotion. "I still can't believe we 'bout to start a family. This is everything I ever wanted, Nic."

Nicole smiled, restin' her head on his shoulder. "Me too. I'm excited, Dev. I'm ready for this next chapter with you."

Devin wrapped his arm around her, pullin' her close. "We gon' be great parents, Nic. I know it."

Nicole felt a warmth spread through her chest as she looked up at him. She had been unsure for so long, but now, all she felt was excitement for the future. With Devin by her side, she knew they could handle anything that came their way.

Lookin' Toward the Future

As the days went on, Nicole and Devin started takin' steps toward their new future. They began talkin' about when they wanted to start tryin', what kind of parents they wanted to be, and how they would balance everything with their careers and life together.

Devin couldn't stop smilin' every time the topic of kids came up. He had always known he wanted to be a father, but now, with Nicole fully on board, it felt like all the pieces were fallin' into place.

One night, as they lay in bed, Devin turned to Nicole, his voice soft but filled with excitement. "You ever think 'bout what our kids gon' look like? I bet they gon' have your smile."

Nicole laughed, her heart swellin' with love. "Maybe. But I hope they get your heart. You got the biggest heart, Dev."

Devin grinned, kissin' her softly. "We gon' have beautiful kids, Nic. I just know it."

Nicole smiled, her heart full. For the first time, she felt at peace with the idea of startin' a family. And with Devin by her side, she knew they were ready for whatever the future held.