The Love Story Between Sophie Thompson And Niall Horan

Chapter 122 Grace Noelle's 1st Birthday

July 21st, 2022

Maya's Point of View

It was 5:30 a.m. when we arrived at Liam's childhood home in Wolverhampton, England. Now, it was 10:00 a.m., and I still couldn't quite believe that tomorrow was our daughter Grace's first birthday. A year ago, we were in the hospital, staring down at her tiny face in awe. And now, here we were, preparing to celebrate this milestone with Liam's family.

The sun was already high in the summer sky, pouring golden light through the curtains of the cozy guest room. I rolled over in Liam's childhood bed, instinctively reaching for his side, but it was empty. From downstairs, faint laughter, the clatter of blocks, and the sizzling of something on the stove drifted up to me. The warm, inviting scent of breakfast mingled with the unmistakable energy of the boys already in full swing.

I turned to check on Grace. She was still asleep in her pack-and-play, her small arms wrapped protectively around her stuffed elephant, Ellie. Her soft, even breaths were accompanied by the occasional twitch of her tiny fingers. I couldn't help but smile.

Slipping quietly out of bed, I grabbed my sweater and tiptoed across the room, taking the baby monitor with me. The summer air, warm and comforting even indoors, kissed my skin as I made my way downstairs.

The living room came into view first. Liam was kneeling on the floor with Bear and Justin, their heads bent in concentration over a precarious tower of colorful blocks. Geoff, my father-in-law, was sprawled beside them, growling like a dinosaur and pretending to lunge at the structure.

"Careful, Justin," Liam said, holding up a hand as our nearly three-year-old reached for the top. "We're almost done—just one more block."

"Dinosaur smash!" Justin declared, his hand hovering over the blocks, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Not yet, buddy!" Liam laughed, shielding the tower. "Let's finish it first. Then you can be the dinosaur."

Bear, ever the serious architect, crouched low, his tongue poking out in concentration as he balanced the final piece. "Almost there, Daddy. Don't let Justin knock it yet!"

Karen, my mother-in-law, bustled around in the kitchen. She turned at the sound of my footsteps and smiled warmly. "Morning, love! Did you manage to get some sleep?"

"Morning, Karen," I said, stepping into the bright kitchen. "I did, thank you. The kids must have been exhausted after the drive."

"Oh, they were," Karen replied with a chuckle. "But look at them now—full of beans, as usual." She nodded toward the boys. "Breakfast is almost ready. I've made tea—it's in the pot."

"Thank you," I said, pouring myself a cup. The smell of fresh toast and scrambled eggs filled the room, mingling with the summer breeze coming through the open window. "Has Grace woken up yet?"

"Not a peep," Karen said, shaking her head. "She's still out like a light. Sweet little angel."

From the living room, Liam's voice rose again. "Bear, hold the base steady! Justin, keep your hands off for just one more second."

"I'm ready!" Justin called back, giggling. "I'm a big dinosaur!"

Geoff's deep, growly dinosaur voice chimed in. "No, I'M the dinosaur! RAWR!"

Karen handed me a plate of eggs and toast. "Go on, sit down and eat, love. There are plenty of hands on deck out there."

"Thanks, Karen." I settled into a chair at the table, savoring a sip of tea before taking a bite of toast.