More Than Friends

Chapter 77: First Days with Mason

Chapter 77: First Days with Mason

The first few days with Mason felt like a beautiful blur. Everything was new again—waking up to feed him in the middle of the night, holding him close during his naps, and introducing him to the world around him. Nicole and Devin were both exhausted, but it was the kind of exhaustion that came with joy and love.

They spent most of their time in the hospital, making sure Mason was healthy and recovering well from the delivery. Amani, of course, was eager to meet her baby brother, but Nicole wanted to wait until they were all home to share that moment with her.

On the second day, as Nicole rested in her hospital bed, Devin sat beside her, cradling Mason in his arms. The room was quiet except for the soft sounds of Mason's breathing and the gentle hum of the hospital.

"You look like a natural," Nicole said, smiling as she watched Devin with their son.

Devin grinned, looking down at Mason. "He's somethin' else, Nic. I could hold him like this all day."

Nicole felt her heart swell with love. "I can't believe he's finally here."

Devin nodded, his eyes still focused on Mason. "Yeah. It feels like we been waiting forever, but now that he's here, it's like everything's right."

Going Home

After a few days in the hospital, Nicole and Mason were cleared to go home. Devin had already made sure everything was set—Amani was prepped for the big moment, and Tasha had helped put the finishing touches on the nursery while they were away.

As they drove home, Nicole sat in the backseat with Mason, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. Even though they had been through this before with Amani, there was something different about bringing a newborn home again. It felt like they were starting all over, but this time, they were more prepared.

When they pulled into the driveway, Amani was standing at the door with Tasha, her face lighting up as soon as she saw her parents step out of the car.

"Mama! Daddy!" Amani called, rushing over to greet them. "Is the baby here?"

Nicole smiled, carefully unbuckling Mason's car seat. "Yeah, baby girl. He's here. You ready to meet your little brother?"

Amani nodded excitedly, bouncing on her toes. "Yes! I've been waiting forever!"

A Special Introduction

Nicole carried Mason into the house, with Amani close behind, practically buzzing with excitement. Devin followed, holding their hospital bags and smiling at the scene. The house felt warm, welcoming, and ready for the new addition to their family.

Once inside, Nicole carefully placed Mason in his bassinet, gesturing for Amani to come closer. "Okay, sweetie. You ready?"

Amani nodded eagerly, her eyes wide with wonder as she stepped closer to her baby brother.

"This is Mason," Nicole said softly, watching Amani's face light up with amazement. "He's your little brother."

Amani peered into the bassinet, her eyes full of awe. "He's so small," she whispered, reaching out to gently touch his tiny hand.

Mason stirred slightly, his little fingers curling around Amani's finger. Amani gasped, looking up at Nicole and Devin with excitement. "He grabbed me!"

Nicole chuckled, wiping a tear from her eye. "Yeah, he likes you already."

Amani beamed, leaning down to give Mason a gentle kiss on his forehead. "I'm gonna be the best big sister ever."

Devin smiled, wrapping his arm around Nicole as they watched their two children together for the first time. "You already are, baby girl."

Settling Into a New Routine

Over the next few days, the house became a whirlwind of diapers, feeding schedules, and adjusting to life with a newborn again. Mason was a quiet baby for the most part, but when he cried, his little voice filled the entire house. Amani was always by his side, eager to help with whatever she could. She would bring Nicole diapers or bottles, and whenever Mason was fussy, she'd sit beside him, talking softly until he calmed down.

Nicole and Devin were adjusting too. It was different this time—more chaotic in some ways with Amani running around, but also more familiar. They knew what to expect, and while it was exhausting, they found comfort in the rhythm of it all.

One evening, after putting Amani to bed, Nicole sat in the nursery with Mason in her arms, feeding him while Devin watched from the doorway. The soft glow of the nightlight filled the room, and the quiet hum of the baby monitor was the only sound in the background.

"You okay?" Devin asked, stepping into the room.

Nicole nodded, looking down at Mason with a soft smile. "Yeah, I'm good. Just...taking it all in."

Devin sat beside her, placing a hand on her knee. "I know it's a lot, but we got this. We're a team."

Nicole leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his words. "Yeah, we are. I'm just...so happy. It's crazy, but I'm so happy."

Looking Ahead

As the days turned into weeks, Nicole and Devin began to find their rhythm as a family of four. Amani had fully embraced her role as a big sister, and Mason was growing stronger every day. Their home was filled with laughter, love, and the beautiful chaos that came with raising two children.

One night, as they lay in bed, Nicole turned to Devin, her hand resting on his chest. "I feel like we've finally found our groove."

Devin smiled, pulling her closer. "Yeah, we have. It ain't easy, but it feels right."

Nicole nodded, her heart full. "I'm just so grateful. For you, for Amani, for Mason. We've built something really special."

Devin kissed her softly, his voice full of love. "We have. And it's only gonna get better."

Nicole smiled, closing her eyes as she drifted off to sleep, knowing that their future was bright, and their family was stronger than ever.