The Love Story Between Sophie Thompson And Niall Horan

Chapter 102 Liam's 28th Birthday And Justin Liam 2nd Birthday

August 28th, 2021

Maya's Point of View

Tomorrow is Liam's 28th birthday, and it's also our second-born son, Justin's 2nd birthday. It's hard to believe how much our family has grown in just two years. Right now, in our flat, it's just me and our one-month-old daughter, Grace. She was born last month, on July 22nd, and already she's keeping us on our toes.

I'm so tired. Grace kept both Liam and me up all night, waking every couple of hours. I don't think either of us got more than an hour of sleep at a time. Thankfully, she's finally asleep in her baby jumper, giving me just enough time to grab a quick nap on the couch.

"Go ahead and rest, babe. I'll take Bear and Justin to the park," Liam had said earlier, brushing a soft kiss across my forehead.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely above a mumble. Too exhausted to do anything else, I managed a grateful smile.

Liam had been so good at stepping in when I needed a break, especially now with Grace needing so much attention. I could feel my body desperately craving a rest, the weight of sleepless nights beginning to take its toll.

The gentle click of the door told me he'd left, taking our four-year-old, Bear, and Justin—who turns two tomorrow—with him. I already missed them but knew this little break was exactly what I needed to recharge.

Lying back on the couch, I closed my eyes, letting my body sink into the cushions. The soft hum of the city outside mingled with the gentle rhythm of Grace's breathing, soothing me as I drifted off to sleep.

Not long after, a tiny whimper cut through the quiet, pulling me back to reality. Grace's cries grew louder, and I forced my tired eyes open. "Alright, little one, I'm coming," I murmured, pushing myself up.

I carefully lifted her from the baby jumper, her cries quieting a bit as I cradled her against my chest. Settling back onto the couch, I began breastfeeding her, stroking her soft head as she latched on.

"Guess it was a short nap, huh?" I whispered, smiling down at her as her tiny hand gripped my shirt. She blinked up at me with those wide, curious eyes that seemed so familiar and new all at once.

"You're a hungry one, aren't you?" I chuckled softly as she sucked contentedly. "Just like your brothers."

Grace's eyes began to droop as she nursed, her tiny fingers relaxing. I felt a deep wave of love and calm wash over me, filling me with gratitude despite my exhaustion.

Just as I started to relax again, the front door opened quietly, and Liam stepped back inside, carrying Bear and Justin.

"Shh," he whispered, seeing Grace in my arms. Bear and Justin tiptoed in, their faces lighting up when they saw us.

"Is baby Grace sleeping?" Bear asked, his voice a little too loud for a whisper.

"Almost," I said with a smile, gesturing for him to come closer.

Justin toddled over, reaching up to pat Grace's blanket gently. "Baby s'eeping," he said, his little voice filled with awe.

Liam wrapped an arm around me, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "Feeling better?"

"A little," I replied, leaning into him. "Thanks for the break."

"Anytime," he said softly, and for a moment, everything felt perfect—the five of us together, a little slice of peace amidst the chaos.

I held Grace close, feeling her small, steady breaths as she drifted off again. Justin was still at my side, his tiny fingers brushing Grace's blanket.

"Justin, it's your birthday tomorrow! Are you excited?" I asked, reaching over to give him a little tickle.