More Than Friends

Chapter 73: Ready for the Next Step

The days after the gender reveal felt like a whirlwind of excitement. Knowing they were havin' a baby boy had shifted everything into a new gear for Nicole and Devin. They were both excited, but now it was real—more than just an idea. Amani was still talkin' about all the things she was gonna teach her little brother, and Nicole couldn't help but smile every time she heard her daughter's enthusiasm.

The nursery was comin' along nicely, with little touches added each day. Nicole found herself lookin' at baby boy clothes online, pickin' out tiny outfits and imagining how her son would look in them. Devin had already started thinkin' about the practical things—crib placement, baby-proofin' the house again, and makin' sure everything was set for when the baby arrived.

The Nursery Takeover

One afternoon, as Nicole was foldin' some freshly washed baby clothes, Devin walked into the nursery, takin' in all the progress they had made.

"You really went all out in here, huh?" he said with a grin, lookin' around at the soft blues and greens that now filled the room.

Nicole laughed, holdin' up a tiny pair of baby shoes. "I couldn't help it. You know how I get. And it's so cute, I can't stop."

Devin smiled, walkin' over to her and wrappin' his arms around her from behind. "You done a good job. This baby's gonna be spoiled from the jump."

Nicole leaned back into him, lettin' herself relax in his embrace. "He's already spoiled with all the love he's gonna get from us and Amani."

Devin chuckled. "You ain't lyin'. Amani's gonna be the boss of him."

They both laughed, imaginin' their little boy growin' up with his big sister always by his side, guidin' him, protectin' him, and teachin' him all the things she had learned. It was a beautiful thought, and Nicole felt a rush of love just thinkin' about it.

Doctor's Checkup

A few days later, Nicole had another routine doctor's appointment. She was a little further along now, and each appointment made things feel more and more real. Devin had taken off work to go with her, like he always did, and they both sat in the waiting room, holdin' hands and talkin' quietly about the baby.

"You nervous?" Devin asked, glancin' at Nicole as she rested her hand on her growing belly.

Nicole shook her head. "Not really. I mean, I'm always a little nervous, but I'm feelin' good. I think everything's gonna be fine."

Devin nodded, his thumb rubbin' gentle circles over the back of her hand. "Yeah, it will be."

When they were called back, the doctor did the usual checkup, makin' sure everything was on track. The baby's heartbeat was strong, and everything looked good. Nicole let out a breath of relief, feelin' grateful that everything was goin' smoothly.

"Baby boy is doin' just fine," the doctor said with a smile, glancin' at the monitor. "You're both healthy, and everything's lookin' good."

Nicole and Devin exchanged a smile, feelin' the relief wash over them.

Preparin' for the Unexpected

Even though things were goin' well, Nicole knew that pregnancy could be unpredictable. She had been through it before, and while she was grateful that everything was smooth so far, she couldn't help but wonder if they would face any surprises along the way. Devin, too, was quietly thinkin' about what could happen, but they both made an effort to stay positive, focusin' on the joy that came with knowin' their family was growin'.

One evening, as they sat together after puttin' Amani to bed, Nicole brought up her thoughts. "You think we're ready for everything that's comin'? I mean, we've done this before, but it's been a while."

Devin leaned back, thinkin' for a moment before noddin'. "We're as ready as we can be. There's always gon' be stuff we don't expect, but we'll handle it. We always do."

Nicole smiled, feelin' reassured by his words. "Yeah, we will. I just wanna make sure Amani's good, too. This is gonna be a big change for her."

"She's already takin' it in stride," Devin said with a grin. "She's more ready for this baby than we are."

Nicole laughed, knowin' that Amani's excitement was one of the best parts of this whole experience. "You're probably right."

Amani's Surprise

The next weekend, Amani came runnin' into the nursery while Nicole was organizin' some baby things. She had a big smile on her face, holdin' somethin' behind her back.

"Mama, I made somethin' for the baby!" Amani said, practically bouncin' with excitement.

Nicole smiled, her heart swellin' with love. "What did you make, baby girl?"

Amani proudly pulled out a handmade drawing of their family—Nicole, Devin, herself, and a tiny baby in the middle. The baby was wrapped in a blue blanket, with little curls drawn on top of his head.

Nicole felt tears wellin' up in her eyes as she looked at the picture. "Amani, this is beautiful! The baby's gonna love it."

Amani grinned. "Can we put it in the baby's room?"

"Of course we can," Nicole said, her heart full as she hung the drawing up on the nursery wall.

A Stronger Family

That night, as Nicole and Devin lay in bed, Nicole thought about how much love their family had. Amani was already embracin' her role as a big sister, Devin was always by her side, and soon, their baby boy would be here to complete their family. No matter what challenges came their way, she knew they would face them together.

"We built somethin' strong," Nicole whispered, lookin' over at Devin as he drifted off to sleep. "I'm so grateful for us."

And as she lay there, the baby's soft kicks remindin' her of the life growin' inside her, Nicole felt at peace, ready for whatever the future held.