Nicholas walked into the softly lit nursery, the sound of a baby's faint cooing pulling him from his light sleep. His hair was tousled, and his face was glowing with a mix of exhaustion and happiness—the look of a man who'd just stepped into the role of fatherhood and couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
"Hey, little one," he whispered, his voice low and soothing as he approached the crib. He leaned over to scoop up the baby, cradling the tiny body against his chest with a tenderness that seemed almost instinctive. "What's got you up, huh? Couldn't let Daddy sleep too long, could you?"
You stood in the doorway, watching him with a soft smile. You didn't say anything, not wanting to break the moment. His voice carried through the room, a mixture of adoration and amusement as he began rocking the baby gently. The way he moved was mesmerizing—calm and rhythmic, like he'd been doing this his whole life.
Nicholas turned slightly, catching sight of you. "I didn't mean to wake you," he said with an apologetic smile, but there was no hiding the pride in his voice. "She just needed her daddy, I guess."
You stepped into the room and joined him, wrapping your arms around his waist as you leaned against him. "I think she just wanted to hear your voice," you teased, brushing a kiss against his shoulder.
He chuckled softly, looking down at the baby who was now content in his arms. "Can you blame her? I'm pretty charming," he said with a wink.
You laughed quietly, resting your head against him as you both admired the sight of y'all's creation. "You're a natural," you whispered, your heart swelling at the sight of him as a dad.
"Am I?" he asked, glancing at you. There was a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes, like he was still trying to figure it all out. "I mean, I have no idea what I'm doing most of the time."
"You're doing everything perfectly," you reassured him, reaching up to brush your fingers through his hair. "She adores you already. So do I."
His smile softened, and he leaned down to kiss your forehead. "Well, I've got you to thank for all of this," he murmured. "She's the best thing that's ever happened to me—next to you."
The baby let out a tiny yawn, her eyelids fluttering as she drifted back to sleep. Nicholas stared at her for a long moment, his expression full of wonder. "I can't believe she's ours," he whispered. "Every time I look at her, it feels like a dream."
"She's ours," you said, wrapping your arms tighter around him. "And she's lucky to have you."
Nicholas looked down at you, his eyes shining with love. "I'm the lucky one," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I have everything I've ever wanted right here."
You stood there together in the quiet nursery, the weight of the moment wrapping around you like a warm blanket. It was the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with late-night feedings, diaper changes, and a love so fierce it took your breath away. And with Nicholas by your side, you knew it was going to be the most beautiful adventure of your lives.
