The Love Story Between Sophie Thompson And Niall Horan

Chapter 65 the Birth of Freddie's brother and Louis's 27th Birthday

December 24th 2018

Danielle's Point Of View

It was 12:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and the house was alive with warmth, laughter, and all the little sounds that made it feel like home. We were celebrating my husband Louis's 27th birthday, though our family seemed just as excited for the holiday itself. I was exactly 40 weeks pregnant, feeling every ounce of it, and this baby could decide to make his entrance any moment.

I watched across the room as my younger sister Sophie sat next to her husband, Niall. Their seven-month-old daughter, Sarah, was lying on her back, cooing and batting at a soft toy Sophie held for her. Our two-year-old son, Freddie, was beside them, trying to impress his little cousin by showing off all his favorite toys.

Katherine, my other younger sister, was resting nearby. She was 36 weeks pregnant with her own baby girl, due mid-April, and had that calm, glowing look that only expectant mothers seem to carry. Our parents, Linda and Michael, were down on the floor, laughing as they played with their grandchildren, looking every bit the proud Mimi and Pops. I couldn't help but smile; they loved every second of it.

Our friends Layla and Zayn were here, too, laughing with Maya, who had just shared her exciting news—she was three weeks pregnant with her second baby. Her husband, Liam, was keeping an eye on their one-year-old son, Bear, who was toddling around the room in an adorable little Christmas sweater. My younger brother, Austin, was here with his girlfriend, Millie, and my youngest sister, Sarah, was seated with her boyfriend, Jacob, watching the family scene with a smile.

Sophie caught my eye and grinned knowingly. "Danielle, how are you holding up over there?" she called, a teasing glint in her eye as she noticed me shifting to get comfortable on the couch.

I laughed, rolling my eyes. "Huge. Very, very huge. I don't know how much longer this little guy can stay put!"

Louis chuckled beside me and gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Well, he's got a flair for dramatic entrances, just like his big brother," he teased, grinning at Freddie.

Everyone laughed, remembering Freddie's rather eventful arrival. But just as the laughter began to fade, I felt a sudden warmth—and froze, my heart racing.

"Oh my gosh," I gasped, looking down in shock as I registered what had just happened. I grabbed Louis's arm, my voice barely a whisper. "Louis... my water just broke!"

The room went silent for a beat, then erupted into excited chatter.

"You're kidding!" Sophie squealed, jumping up. "Right now?"

"It looks like we've got ourselves a Christmas baby!" Louis grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I tried to catch my breath, feeling both thrilled and a bit overwhelmed. Sophie grabbed my hand, squeezing it gently. "Are you feeling okay?" she asked, her eyes warm and steadying.

I nodded, letting out a deep breath. "I'm okay—just... wow. I guess it's time."

Linda was already gathering my hospital bag, and Michael came over, helping me steady myself as I stood up from the couch. Katherine wobbled to her feet, baby bump and all, and pulled me into a hug.

"We'll be right behind you," she promised, her voice filled with so much love and warmth that it brought a tear to my eye.

Layla clapped her hands, her face lit with joy. "What a Christmas Eve this is turning out to be! Go meet your little boy, Danielle!"

I looked up at Louis, feeling an overwhelming rush of love and nerves all at once. My eyes filled as I squeezed his hand tightly. "Are you ready?" I whispered, a tear slipping down my cheek.