Daughter of a Witch

The Surprise

The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine and earth as the family started their hike. The sun peeked through the canopy of trees, casting dappled shadows along the winding trail. Golden and amber leaves crunched under their boots as Agatha led the way, her walking stick tapping rhythmically against the ground.

"This place is gorgeous," Agatha said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Reminds me of that hiking trip we took to Vermont when Y/n was little. You kept trying to catch every falling leaf, saying they were 'magic.'"

Y/n, walking a few paces behind her mom's with Taylor, laughed softly. "You make it sound like I was obsessed."

Rio, who had been trailing beside Agatha, smirked. "Amor, you were obsessed. By the end of the hike, your pockets were stuffed with leaves, and you made us press them all into a scrapbook."

Agatha chuckled, shaking her head. "Still have it somewhere. Might be worth pulling out someday."

Behind them, Y/n and Taylor exchanged an excited glance, their hands brushing as they walked. The secret they had been holding onto for weeks was burning in Y/n's chest, but she wasn't ready to share it yet.

"Everything okay back there?" Rio called over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "You two are awfully quiet. It's suspicious."

"We're just taking in the view," Y/n replied innocently, though the subtle smile she exchanged with Taylor didn't go unnoticed.

The group reached a clearing where the trees opened to reveal a breathtaking view of the mountains. The peaks stretched toward the sky, their tops dusted with early snow. A gentle breeze swept through the air, rustling the leaves.

"Let's rest here for a bit," Agatha suggested, setting her walking stick against a boulder. She placed her hands on her hips, taking in the scenery. "It's too beautiful not to stop."

Rio plopped down on a nearby log, patting the spot beside her. "Agreed. And I need to catch my breath. I'm not as young as I used to be."

"Oh, please," Agatha said with a snort, sitting beside her. "You're still in better shape than me."

"Obviously," Rio replied, smirking.

Y/n and Taylor stood a few steps away, exchanging another glance. Taylor gave Y/n a gentle nudge, and Y/n took a deep breath, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"Actually," Y/n began, her voice slightly hesitant, "we wanted to tell you both something. Something big."

Agatha's brow furrowed, and Rio tilted her head, both instantly alert.

"What is it?" Agatha asked her tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

Y/n took Taylor's hand, her fingers trembling slightly. "Well... we've been keeping something from you both." She paused, her eyes flicking between her moms. "We're expecting."

Rio raised an eyebrow, her face calm but her tone playful. "Expecting what? A snowstorm? A pizza delivery?"

Y/n laughed, shaking her head. "No, Mom. A baby. I'm pregnant."

For a moment, there was silence. Then Agatha's eyes widened, her mouth falling open as her walking stick clattered to the ground. "My baby... is having a baby?!?"

Before Y/n could respond, Agatha surged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around her daughter. "Oh my god, I'm going to be a grandmother!" she exclaimed, her voice cracking as tears streamed down her cheeks. "I can't believe this! My little Y/n is all grown up!"

Agatha kissed the top of Y/n's head, her grip unrelenting. "I'm so proud of you. This is... this is amazing. I never expected this so soon!"

Y/n laughed softly, her eyes misting as she hugged her mom back.