The Love Story Between Sophie Thompson And Niall Horan

Chapter 124 The Birth Of James Niall

September 13th 2022

Sophie's Point of View

The clock read 7:00 a.m. as the first golden rays of sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over our quiet house. It was a rare moment of stillness on a crisp September morning—the kind you want to bottle up and keep forever. Today was no ordinary day. It was Niall's 29th birthday, but even more extraordinary, I was 40 weeks pregnant and ready to meet our baby boy.

I sat on the couch, absently rubbing my swollen belly, my body aching from the weight of carrying life for the past nine months. Upstairs, Camryn, our two-year-old, was still fast asleep, likely sprawled out in her usual starfish position, clutching her beloved Bun Bun. Downstairs, our four-year-old, Sarah, was perched on the floor with Niall, engrossed in building what she insisted was the "best princess castle ever."

"Not like that, Daddy," Sarah giggled, her tiny hands on her hips. "The pink block has to go here." She placed the piece with the conviction of an architect presenting her magnum opus.

Niall chuckled, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "Got it, boss. And what about the green one? Is that the garden?"

"No, silly!" Sarah said, her laughter bubbling up like music. "That's where the dragon lives!"

I couldn't help but smile at the two of them. The sight of my husband—soon to be the father of three—so completely devoted to our little girl made my heart swell. It was moments like these that reminded me of how lucky we were.

Shifting slightly on the couch, trying to ease the persistent ache in my back, I suddenly felt something. A warm gush. My breath caught as I looked down, realizing what had just happened.

"Niall," I called, my voice steady but laced with urgency.

He turned immediately, his smile fading into concern as he took in my expression. "What is it, Soph?"

"My water just broke," I said, meeting his wide-eyed gaze.

For a split second, he froze, the enormity of the moment dawning on him. Then, like a switch flipping, he sprang into action. "Alright. Hospital. Got it." He stood up so quickly that Sarah's carefully balanced tower of blocks toppled over.

"Daddy!" Sarah cried in mock indignation before noticing my soaked leggings. Her eyes widened. "Mummy, is the baby coming now?"

"Yes, sweetheart," I said, managing a small smile through the rush of adrenaline. "Your baby brother is finally ready to meet us."

"But Daddy didn't finish my dragon tower yet!" she protested, hands on her hips.

I laughed softly, wincing as the first contraction rolled through me. "He'll finish it later, I promise."

Niall, already dialing his phone, began pacing the room. "Hi, yes—my wife's water broke. She's 40 weeks along, contractions just started... Okay, great. Thank you." He quickly hung up and called my parents. "Linda, it's happening. Can you and Michael come over to watch the girls? We'll head to the hospital soon."

As Niall spoke, Sarah pressed her little hands against my belly, her face full of wonder. "Is Baby Brother really coming today?"

"Yes, my love," I whispered, brushing a curl out of her face.

Just then, a faint voice called from upstairs. "Mumma!" Camryn's sleepy tone was followed by the sound of tiny feet padding across the floor.

"That's Camryn," I said to Sarah. "Can you go check on her, sweetie?"