The warm scent of vanilla and cinnamon filled the cozy kitchen as you carefully arranged breakfast on the table. It was Saturday morning, the perfect time for slow moments and special surprises. Nicholas was still upstairs, his sleepy voice calling out that he'd be down soon.
Your heart raced as you glanced at the small, gift-wrapped box sitting on the counter. You'd spent days trying to figure out the perfect way to tell him, but in the end, you realized simplicity would make it more meaningful. Today was the day—finally, you'd share the secret that had been lighting up your heart for weeks.
Nicholas appeared moments later, his messy hair and soft sweatshirt making him look effortlessly handsome. "Good morning, beautiful," he said, pressing a kiss to your temple as he reached for a cup of coffee.
"Good morning," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady as nerves bubbled in your chest.
He took a sip of his coffee and frowned playfully. "Okay, what's going on? You've got that look—the one where you're up to something."
You laughed nervously, your hands fidgeting with the edges of your sweater. "I just... I wanted to make this morning special for you."
Nicholas raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Special? What's the occasion?"
Instead of answering, you reached for the small box on the counter. "Here," you said softly, handing it to him. "I have a little gift for you."
He gave you a puzzled look, his lips curling into a curious smile. "What's this?"
"Just open it," you urged, stepping back slightly to watch his reaction.
Nicholas carefully peeled away the wrapping paper, his brow furrowing as he opened the lid. Inside was a tiny onesie that read "Daddy's Little Sidekick" along with a folded ultrasound picture tucked underneath.
For a moment, time seemed to freeze. His hand hovered over the box as his eyes scanned the contents, his brain working to catch up with what his heart already knew. Slowly, he looked up at you, his dark eyes wide with disbelief.
"Wait... are you serious?" His voice was barely above a whisper.
You nodded, tears welling in your eyes. "Yes, Nick. We're having a baby."
Nicholas stared at you, his mouth slightly open as if he couldn't find the right words. Then, in a burst of emotion, he set the box on the table and crossed the room in two quick strides, sweeping you into his arms.
His embrace was firm yet gentle, his hand instinctively settling on your lower back. "Oh my Gosh," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "We're going to be parents?"
"Yes," you laughed through happy tears. "You're going to be a dad."
He pulled back just enough to look at you, his hands cradling your face. "I can't believe this. You... you've just made me the happiest man in the world." His voice cracked slightly, and you could see the sheen of tears in his eyes.
Nicholas dropped to his knees suddenly, pressing a soft kiss to your stomach. "Hi there, baby," he whispered, his voice full of wonder. "I'm your daddy, and I can't wait to meet you."
Your heart melted as you ran your fingers through his hair, the moment feeling surreal and perfect.
The rest of the day was spent wrapped up in each other, alternating between excitedly planning for the future and savoring the sheer joy of the present. Nicholas couldn't stop smiling, his hand constantly finding its way to your belly as if he needed to feel connected to the life growing inside you.
That evening, as the two of you curled up on the couch, Nicholas turned to you, his expression soft but serious. "I promise you, I'm going to be the best dad I can be. And I'm going to take care of both of you, always."
"You already are," you whispered, resting your head on his shoulder.
And as you sat there together, dreaming about the life you'd soon share as a family, you knew that everything had fallen perfectly into place.
