More Than Friends

Chapter 72: Anticipation and Change

As the months went by, Nicole's pregnancy began to show, and with every week that passed, the excitement in the house only grew. Amani was still full of questions and always asked when the baby would finally arrive, while Nicole and Devin found themselves fully immersed in preparations. Baby gear started filling the house again—new clothes, a crib, and more things to make room for their growing family.

Nicole had her routine checkups, and each time, she was relieved to hear that everything was going smoothly. The doctor assured her the baby was healthy, and with every ultrasound, her heart filled with more love for the little life growin' inside her.

Amani's Big Sister Role

Amani had taken her future big sister duties very seriously. She had picked out a few of her old toys to share with the baby and had even started askin' if she could help with things around the house.

One afternoon, while Nicole was restin' on the couch, Amani climbed up beside her, restin' her little hand on Nicole's belly. "Mama, do you think the baby can hear me?"

Nicole smiled, brushin' Amani's hair back. "I think so, sweetie. You wanna talk to the baby?"

Amani nodded, her eyes bright with excitement. She leaned down close to Nicole's belly and started whisperin' softly. "Hi, baby. I'm Amani, and I'm gonna be your big sister. I'm gonna help take care of you and play with you when you get here."

Nicole's heart swelled as she listened to Amani's sweet words. It was moments like this that reminded her how lucky they were to have such a loving family. She could already see Amani being an amazing big sister, and it made her even more excited for what was to come.

A Special Ultrasound

A few weeks later, it was time for one of the most anticipated moments of the pregnancy: the ultrasound where they would find out the baby's gender. Nicole and Devin had decided to bring Amani along, wanting her to be part of the experience and share in the excitement.

As they sat in the waiting room, Amani was practically bouncing in her seat with excitement. "I hope it's a girl!" she said, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Devin chuckled, glancing at Nicole. "We'll see soon enough, kiddo. But either way, you're gonna be the best big sister."

When they were called back into the room, Nicole lay down on the exam table, and the technician got to work. As the image of the baby appeared on the screen, Nicole felt a familiar rush of emotions. It didn't matter how many times she had been through this process; every time she saw the baby, it felt like a miracle.

"You ready to find out?" the technician asked, glancing at Devin and Amani.

Nicole nodded, holdin' Devin's hand tightly as they all stared at the screen.

"It looks like...you're having a baby boy!"

Amani's eyes widened, and she gasped. "A baby brother?!"

Nicole smiled, feelin' tears well up in her eyes. Devin squeezed her hand, grinnin' from ear to ear. "A baby boy," he whispered, his voice filled with awe.

They had talked about the possibility of having a boy, but now that it was real, the excitement hit them all over again. Amani might have been hopin' for a sister, but she quickly warmed up to the idea of a baby brother.

"I'm still gonna teach him all my stuff," Amani said proudly. "He's gonna love my toys, and I'll show him how to play."

Nicole laughed, wipin' her eyes. "I'm sure he's gonna love you just as much as you love him."

Sharing the News

Later that evening, Nicole and Devin decided to share the news with their family and friends. They hadn't planned on a big gender reveal, but they were excited to tell everyone about the baby boy that would be joinin' their family soon.

They sent out a group text, includin' pictures from the ultrasound, and within minutes, their phones were blowin' up with excited responses.

"Another boy in the family! Congrats!" one message read.

"Amani's gonna have so much fun bein' a big sister!" said another.

As the messages kept comin' in, Nicole felt overwhelmed with gratitude. They were surrounded by so much love and support, and it made her even more excited for the baby's arrival.

Preparing for the New Chapter

That night, after the excitement had died down, Nicole and Devin sat in the nursery, takin' it all in. The room was startin' to come together, filled with baby clothes, toys, and the crib they had just put together.

Devin sat in the corner of the room, lookin' over at Nicole with a soft smile. "A baby boy, huh? We really doin' this."

Nicole smiled back, her heart full. "Yeah, Dev. We really are."

They spent the next hour talkin' about the future—what it would be like to raise a son, how Amani would adjust to havin' a brother, and how their lives were about to change all over again.

As they sat there, surrounded by baby clothes and toys, Nicole felt a deep sense of peace. They had come so far, and now, with their baby boy on the way, they were ready for this next chapter. Whatever challenges came their way, they would face them together, as a family.