𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 ⇉ 𝗝𝗝 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸

𝘳 𝘪 𝘨 𝘩 𝘵

AS THE SOFT morning light filters through the curtains, the room was bathed in a gentle glow, casting a warm hue over the tangled sheets.

JJ lay beside Ari, his hand resting lightly on her stomach, feeling the rise and fall of her breath.

It was a peaceful moment, one that seemed to pause the chaos of their lives just outside the door.

The news of their impending arrival still lingered in the air, a sweet reminder of the joy that could emerge from the whirlwind they often found themselves in.

Ari slept soundly, her hair cascading over the pillow, a serene expression gracing her features. JJ couldn't help but admire her, his heart swelling with a mix of love and gratitude.

He brushes a stray strand of hair from her face, careful not to wake her.

After a few moments, Ari stirs, her eyelids fluttering open. She caught JJ staring at her, a sleepy smile spreading across her face.

"What are you looking at?" She murmurs, her voice still thick with sleep.

"You." JJ replies, his tone playful yet sincere. "Just admiring my beautiful wife."

Ari's smile widens, and she places her hand over his on her stomach, feeling the connection between them. "It still feels surreal, doesn't it? Another baby."

"Yeah." JJ nods, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "I was just thinking... I have a feeling this time around, it's going to be a boy."

Ari raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh really? And what makes you say that?"

"I don't know." JJ shrugs, a grin breaking through. "Maybe it's just a gut feeling. Plus, I could use a little mini-me."

"You have a little mini-me. I think it's my turn." Ariella laughs softly, the sound like music to his ears. "I wouldn't mind a baby boy, but I wouldn't mind another little girl, either. Just imagine how much fun it would be to have two princesses running around."

JJ chuckles, shaking his head. "You're right, but I just can't help but picture a little guy with your eyes and my... well, let's hope he gets your brains... and everything else because Cora Lynn definitely is all me."

Ari playfully nudges him, her laughter filling the room. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

"You know, this time is going to be different." JJ turns serious for a moment, his gaze locking onto Ari's. "I promise to be there for you every step of the way. No matter what happens, I'm not letting you leave my side ever again."

Ari's expression softens, and she nodded, feeling the weight of his words.

"By your side is exactly where I want to be." Ariella replies, her voice barely above a whisper, her hand caressing his cheek. "We're together in this."

"I'm never leaving you alone. Not even for a second." He says, squeezing her hand gently. "I'll be right here, through everything."

Ariella smiles, leaning forward to peck his lips softly. She would always be enterally grateful for JJ.

And this time, she wasn't alone.

As they lay there, the world outside fades away. In that moment, wrapped in each other's warmth and the promise of new beginnings, JJ felt a wave of contentment wash over him.

No matter how chaotic life became, moments like this—filled with love, dreams, and laughter—were what truly mattered.

And he hoped there were going to be more.