The Love Story Between Sophie Thompson And Niall Horan

Chapter 126 Khai's Haven's 2nd Birthday

Tomorrow is a big day—our firstborn daughter, Khai, turns two years old. I can hardly believe it's been two whole years since she came into our lives and turned our world upside down in the best way possible. From the moment she was born, she's been the light of our lives, and now she's about to celebrate another milestone. Time really does fly.

This morning, around 5 a.m., we arrived at Zayn's parents' mansion after a long drive. It's the house Zayn bought for them back in 2013 when he was just 20 years old and still touring with One Direction. I remember how proud he was to be able to do that for them. Back then, we were just dating, two young people in love with no idea what the future held for us. And now, nearly a decade later, here we are—married since Valentine's Day in 2017 and blessed with two beautiful daughters: Khai, born in September 2020, and Harper, who joined our family in January 2022.

I glance at the clock on the nightstand—it's 8:00 a.m. The soft sounds of voices and laughter drift up from downstairs, and the smell of breakfast cooking fills the air. Zayn isn't beside me in bed, which means he's already up, likely catching up with his family. Turning my head, I peek over at our daughters. Khai is sound asleep in her pack 'n play, her curly hair a halo around her head, her tiny hands tucked under her chin. Harper is just as peaceful in her own pack 'n play, clutching her favorite blanket in her little fingers.

Quietly, I reach for the baby monitor on the nightstand, its soft static hum reassuring me that everything is fine. After a deep breath, I tiptoe out of the room and head downstairs, my heart full as I anticipate the day ahead.

As I reach the bottom of the stairs, the familiar smell of pancakes and bacon makes my stomach growl. In the kitchen, Trisha, Zayn's mom, is at the stove, flipping pancakes like a pro. She glances up and smiles warmly when she sees me.

"Good morning, Layla," she says. "I hope you're hungry—I'm making Zayn's favorite breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, and eggs. He used to ask for this every Saturday morning when he was a boy."

"Good morning, Trisha. That sounds amazing," I reply, walking into the kitchen and inhaling deeply. "I can't say no to pancakes."

Her laughter fills the room as she flips another pancake onto the growing stack. "I've made plenty for everyone. It's not every day we get to celebrate our Khai's birthday eve!"

From the living room, I hear the soft murmur of voices and the occasional burst of laughter. Peeking in, I see Zayn sitting with his dad, Yaser, while Doniya, Waliyha, and Safaa are spread out on the couches, chatting animatedly. Safaa's husband, Martin, is there too, his arm draped around her shoulders as they laugh at something Doniya said. Waliyha, glowing and radiant, rests a hand on her growing baby bump as she leans back comfortably. She's 22 weeks pregnant with her and Junaid's first baby, a boy, due in January 2023.

"Good morning, everyone," I say, stepping into the living room.

"Morning, Layla!" they all reply in unison, their smiles warm and welcoming.

Waliyha beams at me. "How are Khai and Harper? They must be growing so fast."

"They are," I say with a proud smile. "Khai's getting so independent, and Harper's already crawling. It feels like just yesterday they were newborns."

On the floor, Yaser is building a tower of blocks with Safaa and Martin's daughter, Zaneyah, who will be turning three in January. She giggles as she carefully places a block on top of the tower, her concentration intense.

"She's got skill," I joke, watching them.

"She might just be the next architect in the family," Yaser replies with a grin.