The Love Of My Life

Chapter 30

Maya's POV

It's been three days since we found out we're having a girl, and my heart feels on fire—in the best way. I can't stop smiling, can't stop thinking about her, can't stop imagining her little face, her little hands, the way she'll look at us when she's finally here. A girl. Another girl. It's a dream come true like the universe knew I needed this. I've always loved shopping for little girl clothes, but now? Now, I have another reason to indulge my love for pinks, florals, and tiny bows. I can shop for three little girls now, and something about that feels so full like my life is overflowing with love and blessings I never knew I'd deserve. The day after we found out, I couldn't even sleep. My body was tired, but my mind? It was racing. I must've replayed the look on Tony's face a hundred times when the doctor said the words, "It's a girl." The way his shoulders softened like a weight had been lifted. He didn't say much at first—he never really does when he's overwhelmed—but I know him. I know that look in his eyes, the way he tried to hide that smile, the kind that tugs just at the corner of his lips before spreading like wildfire. He's so in love with our granddaughters already, both of them, and it makes me love him even more. It's like I'm falling for him all over again, watching him grow into this man who loves his daughter and granddaughters with everything he has. By morning, I was up before the sun, pacing the kitchen with a cup of tea and scrolling through baby clothes online. I swear I only meant to look—to browse a little and maybe make a list. But then I thought, Why wait? So, when Tony woke up, groggy and shirtless, scratching the back of his head as he made his way into the kitchen, I hit him with it: "Let's go shopping today." He gave me a look like he already knew what he was in for. Tony knows me too well. He rubbed his face, let out this deep sigh like he was bracing himself, and then said, "Whatever you want, baby." he said. 

It didn't take me long to get ready. I was humming to myself, thinking about little onesies and dresses, matching socks, and tiny bows. By the time we got to the store, I had a game plan—and no mercy. I ran up his card like there was no tomorrow. Soft pastels, florals, onesies with frilly edges, the kind of little dresses that make your heart ache with sweetness. Every hanger I pulled, every tiny outfit I held up, I imagined her in it. I imagined those first weeks when she'd barely fit into newborn clothes, the way her little face would peek out from under a hat that was too big. I thought about holding her against my chest, rocking her, whispering little promises into her ear while she slept. Tony didn't say a word as the cart piled up, but I knew he was watching me—probably counting every swipe of his card and wondering just how much damage I was doing. I think part of him finds it cute, though. Every so often, I'd catch him smiling when I wasn't supposed to see it, that small, secret smile he gets when he thinks I'm being ridiculous but lovable. That man. He lets me have my way with these things, and I love him for it. When we got home, I couldn't even wait to unpack everything. I sat on the floor of the nursery-to-be, bag, and bags of baby clothes surrounding me, and started folding everything neatly. One by one, I hung up her little outfits in the closet. Tony stood in the doorway for a while, arms crossed, watching me like he always does when I'm hyper-focused on something. "You know she's not even here yet, right?" he teased, a little smile playing on his lips. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help but laugh because he was right—she wasn't here yet. But in my heart, she already is. We haven't started on the nursery yet. The only thing we have so far is her crib, which still sits in the middle of the room like it's waiting for us to catch up. And we will. Tony promised we'd start this weekend, and I'm holding him to it. I already have so many ideas in my head—soft pinks, creams, maybe some delicate floral wallpaper. I want her room to feel like a little oasis, a place where she'll feel safe and loved even before she understands what that means.

This baby—this girl—feels like she's bringing something new into our lives, something I can't quite explain. I already feel like I'm a different person, like my heart has grown a little bigger just knowing she's on the way. Maybe it's because I know what it means to raise girls, how hard and beautiful it can be to teach them to love themselves in a world that'll try to make them forget how. Or maybe it's because I'm just so excited to meet her, to hold her, to see pieces of me and Tony come to life in this new little person. So here I am, sitting on the floor of her room, looking at the crib and the tiny clothes I've already hung up, and I feel this overwhelming sense of peace. It's like everything is exactly as it should be, and I can't wait for what's next. Three little girls. My heart is so full I think it might burst. After I finished hanging and folding all the baby clothes, I stepped back and took a deep breath. The room was still a work in progress, but seeing those tiny outfits hanging up made me smile. It felt real—like she was already here, already a part of our lives. But then, my stomach growled loud enough to break the moment. I didn't even realize how hungry I was until now, and the thought of cooking anything made me want to roll my eyes. I glanced at the clock and decided it was time to find my husband.