More Than Friends

Chapter 40: Embracin' the Changes

The next few weeks passed in a blur as Nicole and Devin began adjustin' to the reality of bein' parents-to-be. Everything felt new—every little change in Nicole's body, every appointment at the doctor, and every conversation about their future. They were excitin' times, but they were also filled with moments of quiet reflection, where Nicole found herself realizin' just how much their lives were about to change.

One mornin', Nicole woke up feelin' the familiar tiredness that had been lingerin' with her ever since she found out she was pregnant. She turned over in bed, seein' Devin still sleepin' beside her, his face peaceful. For a moment, she just watched him, thinkin' about how much he had already stepped up since they found out about the baby. He had been so supportive, always there to check on her, to make sure she was comfortable and happy.

Nicole smiled to herself as she thought about how lucky she was. Even with all her nerves about bein' a mom, Devin made it all seem a little easier.

The Baby Talk

Later that day, after they had both gotten up and had breakfast, Nicole sat on the couch, rubbin' her stomach absentmindedly. She was still gettin' used to the idea that there was a little life growin' inside her.

Devin walked over, sittin' down beside her with a grin. "What's on your mind, mama?"

Nicole smiled at the sound of him callin' her that. "Just thinkin' about everything. It's a lot to take in, you know?"

Devin nodded, wrappin' his arm around her. "Yeah, I get that. But we in this together, Nic. We got this."

Nicole leaned into him, feelin' the comfort of his words. "I know. It's just...sometimes it hits me all at once, like, we really 'bout to be somebody's parents."

Devin chuckled, noddin'. "Yeah, it's wild when you think about it like that. But I been thinkin' 'bout it more, and I'm just excited. I mean, we get to raise this little person, teach them everything we know, and make sure they feel all the love we got."

Nicole smiled, her heart warm at his words. "You gon' be such a great dad, Dev. I can already see it."

Devin leaned over, kissin' her softly. "And you gon' be the best mom. Our baby's lucky to have you."

Preparin' for What's Next

As the weeks went by, Nicole and Devin started makin' plans for the baby. They talked about how they'd set up the nursery, what kind of parents they wanted to be, and how they'd balance everything once the baby arrived.

One evenin', they sat at the kitchen table, goin' over a list of things they'd need—cribs, baby clothes, car seats. The list seemed endless, but Nicole couldn't help but feel a little excited as she checked off each item.

"We really 'bout to be parents," Nicole said, lookin' up from the list with a smile.

Devin grinned, noddin'. "I know. It's crazy. But I can't wait to meet our little one."

Nicole leaned back in her chair, feelin' a wave of emotion wash over her. "I been feelin' the baby movin' a little more lately."

Devin's eyes widened with excitement. "For real? You feelin' it already?"

Nicole nodded, smilin'. "Yeah, it's not super strong yet, but I can feel it sometimes. It's wild, Dev. Like, I really got a whole person growin' in me."

Devin stood up, walkin' over to her side of the table. He knelt down beside her, placin' his hand gently on her stomach. "You think I'll be able to feel it soon?"

Nicole grinned, placin' her hand over his. "Yeah, I think so. Give it a little more time, and you'll feel our baby movin' around in there."

Devin's eyes were full of wonder as he looked up at her. "I can't wait."

A Quiet Evenin' of Reflection

Later that night, after they had finished plannin' and talkin' about the baby, Nicole and Devin sat out on the balcony, enjoyin' the cool breeze and the sound of the city around them. The night was calm, and for the first time in a while, Nicole felt completely at peace.

"I been thinkin' about names again," Devin said, breakin' the silence.

Nicole smiled, glancin' over at him. "You got any new ideas?"

Devin shrugged, lookin' thoughtful. "I don't know yet. But I want somethin' that feels strong, somethin' with meaning."

Nicole nodded, understandin' what he meant. "We'll figure it out. We still got time."

Devin reached over, takin' her hand in his. "I'm just glad we get to do this together, Nic. I couldn't imagine doin' this with anyone else."

Nicole felt her heart swell at his words. "Me neither. I love you, Dev."

"I love you too," Devin replied, kissin' her softly.

As they sat there, hand in hand, Nicole knew that no matter how much their lives were about to change, they would face it all together. And that was all that mattered.