Family and Faith

Chapter 3

The night had settled in deep, with a soft, steady rain tapping against the windows—a soothing rhythm that contrasted sharply with the tension Dom was feeling. He shifted in bed, trying to get comfortable, but every few minutes, a dull ache would creep up his back, spreading lower and pulling him into discomfort. He couldn’t help but press a hand to the sore spot, hoping to ease the pressure himself.

Finally, with a quiet sigh, Dom turned toward Brian, his voice soft but heavy with fatigue. “Brian…” he murmured, a hint of weariness in his tone. “My back is just... aching. Feels like this baby’s decided my spine is a better bed than my stomach.”

The concern in Brian’s eyes was immediate. In their years together, he’d grown to understand Dom’s signals even before he spoke. Without a moment’s hesitation, Brian was by his side, his brows furrowed as he gently placed a hand on Dom’s back. “Here, let me see if I can help,” he offered, his voice filled with that steady, grounding warmth Dom had come to depend on.

As Dom shifted to face away, leaning into Brian’s touch, he let out a long, slow breath. Brian’s hands worked their magic, strong yet gentle, pressing into the tight muscles with practiced care. “Oh, that’s good,” Dom sighed, finally letting his shoulders drop. “I didn’t realize how much I needed this.”

Brian smiled to himself, focusing on easing the tension he could feel beneath his fingers. “I’ve got you, love,” he murmured, his voice low and reassuring. “Just relax and breathe.”

For a while, Dom allowed himself to drift, simply soaking in Brian’s presence. But then, a sudden, sharp cramp tightened low in his belly, wrapping around him like a band that pulled tighter with every second. His breath hitched, and he instinctively gripped the sheets, his face tightening in discomfort. Brian’s hands paused immediately.

“Hey, hey,” Brian said softly, concern deepening. “What’s going on?”

Dom let out a shaky breath, one hand moving to his belly, trying to brace against the cramp that refused to let up. “I don’t know… it’s like this tight squeezing,” he managed, his voice a little breathless. “Wasn’t expecting it to be this intense.”

Brian stayed close, his hand gently rubbing Dom’s back in slow circles. “Could be Braxton Hicks,” he said in that steady, calming tone Dom had grown to cherish. “Practice contractions, remember? Your body’s just getting ready. Nothing to worry about.”

Dom nodded slowly, trying to focus on his breathing, just like they’d practiced. “Yeah… I remember,” he whispered, his shoulders finally beginning to relax as the cramping started to fade. The tension left him feeling drained, but the soft circles Brian drew on his back grounded him, reminding him he wasn’t alone.

“Good job,” Brian murmured, squeezing Dom’s shoulder gently. “Just breathe through it. You’re doing great.”

Dom took a few deep breaths, letting Brian’s calm voice guide him. But no sooner had he found his rhythm than another, stronger wave hit, causing him to double over with a quiet gasp. His hand clutched Brian’s, his knuckles turning white as he tried to ride out the pain.

“It’s happening again,” he whispered, his voice tinged with worry. “It’s stronger this time… feels like it’s not letting up.” His eyes searched Brian’s face for reassurance, the trust there mingled with a hint of fear.

Brian’s eyes softened, and he leaned in closer, his touch never faltering. “I’m right here,” he whispered, rubbing slow, soothing circles on Dom’s back. “Remember to breathe. Just focus on me.”

Dom nodded, gripping Brian’s hand as if it were a lifeline. The pressure in his belly gradually began to ease, leaving him feeling shaky and exhausted. He leaned heavily into Brian’s embrace, the relief nearly bringing tears to his eyes. “That was… more than I expected,” he admitted quietly, rubbing his belly as if to comfort both himself and the little life growing inside.

Brian pressed a soft kiss to Dom’s forehead, his voice a gentle murmur in the quiet room. “You’re doing beautifully,” he assured, brushing a few strands of hair from Dom’s damp forehead. “We’re almost there, love. Just a little more, one step at a time.”

Dom looked up at him, his eyes tired but filled with gratitude. “I don’t know how I’d do this without you,” he whispered, resting his head against Brian’s shoulder, finding comfort in the steady, familiar heartbeat beneath his ear.

Brian’s chuckle was soft and warm, the kind of sound that Dom had fallen in love with years ago. “You’ll never have to find out,” he replied, his arm tightening protectively around Dom’s shoulders. “We’re in this together—always.”

In the cozy glow of their bedroom, the rain outside continued to fall softly, a distant lullaby. With Brian’s arms wrapped around him, Dom finally began to relax, exhaustion giving way to a deep, quiet contentment. He let his eyes drift shut, focusing on the gentle rhythm of Brian’s breathing, the warmth of his touch.

As he settled deeper into Brian’s embrace, Dom felt a little nudge from within—a reminder of the life they were preparing to welcome. It was a small, precious moment that seemed to capture everything they were working toward: a family built on love, trust, and the promise of facing whatever came their way, side by side.

“Thank you,” Dom whispered, his voice barely more than a breath, but carrying all the love and gratitude he felt. “For everything.”

Brian’s hold tightened just a bit, pressing one last, soft kiss to Dom’s temple. “Always,” he murmured, his voice steady as the rain outside. “Now, rest, love. We’ve got a big adventure ahead of us.”

And in that quiet, peaceful space, surrounded by the love and warmth they had built, they both drifted off, wrapped in the promise of tomorrow.