shivian: a forbidden love 🖤🫶🏻

chapter 55: gender reveal and...

Third person pov:

A few months later, friends and family gathered at Marjorie and Reece’s place for a highly anticipated gender reveal. The air buzzed with excitement, with balloons and decorations in shades of pink and blue scattered around the room. Jamie ran around with a blue balloon in one hand and a pink streamer in the other, while Harper and Hailey toddled between guests, drawing everyone’s attention with their excited babbles.

Siobhan and Vivian stood with Marjorie, who was positively glowing, her hand resting on her belly. Reece hovered close by, looking both excited and a bit nervous. They were moments away from the big reveal.

Just then, Mia and Charlotte exchanged glances, giving each other an encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, Mia cleared her throat and called out, “Hey, everyone! Before we get to the main event, we have a little announcement of our own!”

All heads turned to look at Mia and Charlotte, who stood side by side, their hands intertwined. A few puzzled murmurs went around the room, and then Charlotte grinned, her cheeks pink with excitement. “We’re expecting too!” she announced, her voice filled with joy.

A wave of surprise and excitement rippled through the crowd as friends and family erupted into cheers and applause. Siobhan and Vivian shared delighted glances before rushing over to hug Mia and Charlotte, congratulating them on their wonderful news.

“Oh my goodness, I’m so happy for you two!” Marjorie exclaimed, joining in on the hugs and exchanging teary smiles with Mia. “This is the best surprise!”

Mia chuckled, squeezing Marjorie’s hand. “We wanted to share it today because… well, it felt like the perfect moment,” she said, glancing over at Charlotte with a look of pure love.

“Looks like we’re all in for a lot more baby cuddles,” Reece teased, giving Mia and Charlotte a warm smile. “Congratulations, you two. This is amazing.”

As the excitement settled, Marjorie and Reece turned back to their gender reveal setup. Reece held a large balloon in his hands, filled with colored confetti. With everyone gathered around, he and Marjorie shared a quick look before he popped the balloon, releasing a cascade of blue confetti into the air.

“It’s a boy!” Marjorie announced, laughing as blue paper rained down around them. The cheers erupted once more, and Marjorie’s hand went to her belly, tears in her eyes as she took in the joy surrounding them.

Siobhan, hugging Marjorie tightly, whispered, “You’re going to be the best mom to this little guy. He’s so lucky.”

Vivian, laughing with Reece, shook his hand and clapped him on the back. “Get ready for all the fun and chaos, man. It’s going to be incredible.”

As the celebration continued, Marjorie and Reece’s joy was matched by Mia and Charlotte, who were surrounded by a circle of love and congratulations. The room was filled with laughter, hugs, and the promise of new beginnings, with everyone celebrating not just one, but two precious lives on the way.

For Siobhan and Vivian, it was a day to remember—watching their friends begin their journeys into parenthood together, knowing that their children would have friends to grow up with, and that their family’s love and support would only grow stronger.

Amid the cheers and laughter, Harper spotted Marjorie across the room, surrounded by friends congratulating her on the reveal. With determination in her little eyes, she toddled through the crowd toward her beloved “Mar Mar.”

When Marjorie looked down, she saw Harper reaching up, her tiny hands stretching out. Marjorie’s heart melted as she scooped her up, cradling her close. Harper nestled against Marjorie’s shoulder, letting out a contented sigh as she clung to her.

“Someone missed me, huh?” Marjorie cooed, gently rocking her.

Harper babbled in response, as if sharing in Marjorie’s happiness. They stayed like that, wrapped up in a warm, tender moment, while Reece looked on, his face soft with affection. It was as if Harper sensed that Marjorie’s love was now expanding to include her own little one on the way, and she was making sure her “Mar Mar” knew she was always there too.

Vivian and Siobhan exchanged a knowing smile, their hearts full seeing Harper so attached. Marjorie had become an inseparable part of their lives, and the bond Harper and Hailey shared with her was something truly special.

As Harper clung to her, Marjorie felt a surge of gratitude, knowing that her little boy would be surrounded by so much love and so many wonderful people to look up to. Holding Harper close, she whispered, “You’re always my girl, Harper.” And in that moment, she felt more ready than ever to welcome her own child into the world.

While Harper was happily snuggled with Marjorie, Hailey's eyes landed on Winter and Autumn across the room. She let out an excited squeal, her little legs carrying her as fast as they could toward Winter, her favorite play buddy.

When she reached him, she reached her chubby arms up, making grabby hands until Winter couldn’t resist. With a soft chuckle, he scooped her up, lifting her high in the air before settling her in his arms. Hailey immediately latched onto him, her tiny hands clinging to his shirt, her head resting on his shoulder with a contented sigh.

“Hey there, Hailey-bug,” Winter whispered, gently bouncing her as she snuggled into him. He glanced over at Autumn, who was watching with an amused, yet affectionate look. Though Autumn had her usual cool demeanor, a small, warm smile crossed her face as she watched Winter cradle Hailey with such care.

"Looks like you’ve got another admirer," Autumn teased softly, nudging him.

Winter grinned, his eyes warm. "Can’t blame her. This one knows how to pick her people, huh, Hailey?"

Hailey babbled happily, her face lighting up as she held onto him even tighter, clearly feeling right at home in his arms. The rest of the group looked on, smiling at the sight of Hailey’s affection for Winter and the bond he and Autumn had with the twins.

It was a reminder of how this growing circle of friends was filled with love, and each of them played a unique role in the children’s lives. And as Hailey clung to Winter, it was clear that he was as much a part of their family as anyone else, sharing in their laughter, love, and the joy of watching the children grow.

In the middle of the lively gathering, Jamie spotted Reece and made his way over, weaving through the crowd until he was right by his side. Without a word, Jamie wrapped his arms around Reece's waist, pressing his face against him in a tight hug.

Reece chuckled, looking down with a warm smile. “Hey there, buddy,” he said, ruffling Jamie's hair. “Everything okay?”

Jamie nodded, holding on even tighter. “Just wanted to be with you,” he murmured, his voice muffled.

Reece crouched down to Jamie’s level, his hands resting on his little shoulders. “Well, I’m right here,” he said softly, meeting Jamie’s gaze. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

They stayed like that for a moment, Reece's arm wrapped around Jamie, making him feel safe and cared for. For Jamie, having Reece there as his steady, reliable friend felt just as good as any family hug, and his small worries seemed to fade away.

Vivian and Siobhan watched from across the room, exchanging a look that spoke volumes. Jamie had found a bond with Reece that was so genuine and strong—a friendship that grounded him in ways only Reece could offer. It made their family feel even more complete.

Reece gave Jamie one more reassuring squeeze, then smiled and whispered, “Think you’re up for another go on the bouncy castle, buddy?” Jamie’s eyes lit up, and with a quick nod, he took Reece’s hand, ready to head off for another round of fun, his heart full and his spirits high.

A/N: back to posting as normal ish now 🫶🏻