The Love Story Between Sophie Thompson And Niall Horan

Chapter 109 Freddie Reign's 6th Birthday

January 20th 2022

Danielle's Point Of View

Tomorrow is a bittersweet day, one filled with joy but touched with sadness. Six years ago, on January 21st, 2016, I became a mother for the first time when I gave birth to Freddie. Tomorrow, he'll turn six, and while I'm excited to celebrate, I can't help but reflect on how quickly time has passed. Freddie is our oldest, the one who made us parents. He's also the only one of our children who met Louis' mum, Johanna. She adored him and was so proud of Louis. Sadly, we lost her to leukemia on December 7th, 2016, when Freddie was just 10 months old.

Now, sitting on the couch, I rest a hand on my growing belly. I'm 31 weeks pregnant with our first daughter, a little girl due on March 25th, 2022. That day would have been Johanna's 62nd birthday, and it feels like fate, as though our baby is meant to honor her memory in a way words never could.

The house is unusually quiet. Upstairs, Ashton is napping in his crib, the soft hum of his baby monitor faintly audible from the coffee table. At almost two years old, he's still our baby for a little while longer, though that title will soon pass to his baby sister. Downstairs, it's just William and me. At three years old, he's growing out of his toddler phase but still has that precious innocence I wish I could freeze in time.

William is sitting cross-legged on the floor, carefully stacking blocks into a wobbly tower. His face is scrunched in concentration, his small hands working with precision.

"Careful, sweetheart," I say gently, smiling as I watch him. "You're doing such a good job."

He glances up at me, his brown eyes wide with pride. "It's a castle, Mummy! For Freddie's birthday!"

I laugh softly, rubbing my belly as the baby shifts slightly. "He's going to love it. You're so thoughtful, William."

"Yeah," he says proudly, adding another block to his masterpiece. "Freddie's gonna say, 'Wow, Will, you're the best builder ever!'"

I chuckle, feeling my heart swell. "I'm sure he will. He's lucky to have a brother like you."

The peace is interrupted by the buzz of my phone on the coffee table. I pick it up, careful not to disturb my belly too much. It's a text from Louis.

Louis: Freddie wants to bring home cupcakes. Any requests?

Me: Chocolate for me, of course. William would love vanilla, and don't forget Ashton loves strawberry!
Louis: On it. Love you.

I set the phone down with a smile, imagining Freddie and Louis at the park together. It's become their tradition—father-son time on Freddie's birthday. Louis says it's their special time to bond, and I know Freddie treasures it.

"Mummy," William suddenly says, his tone serious, "do you think baby sister will like castles too?"

I smile, touched by his thoughtfulness. "I think she'll love anything you make for her. You're going to be such a good big brother."

William beams at the compliment, his little hands already reaching for more blocks. "I'm gonna make her a pink castle! She'll like pink, right, Mummy?"

"I think she'll love whatever you build for her, pink or not," I assure him.

The baby kicks, a firm nudge against my ribs, and I glance down at my bump. "Looks like your sister agrees with me," I say softly.

William's head snaps up, his excitement bubbling over. "She kicked, Mummy? Can I feel?"

I nod, motioning him over. He scrambles to his feet, his small hands eagerly pressing against my belly.