Stelena: Eternal Love (2)

8- Isabella's 1st Birthday

One week later

Stefan's POV

I woke up expecting Elena to be wrapped up in my arms, but to my disappointment I woke up to an empty bed. Thinking that she'd probably gone to see our birthday girl, I got out of bed and made my way to Isabella's room. There I saw the most amazing sight: Elena was sat on the rocking chair, with Isabella on her lap, reading her a story. I stood silent, leaning against the door frame as I admired the precious little moment they were having.
Once Elena finally realised I was there, she looked up and gave me a soft smile. I returned the gesture as I started to walk closer to them both. Crouching down beside them I listened intently to Elena reading the rest of the story, which Isabella must've already knew since she's requested this story many times. When Elena read a particular part that she liked, she would squeal and clap her hands in excitement. If Isabella gets this excited reading a book, just like her mother does, then I couldn't imagine how excited she would be when her little brother or sister arrives. She doesn't know a lot about the situation yet, as we haven't told her, because we were afraid that she wouldn't understand. However, as the weeks pass by and we're starting to tell more people, she's been noticing a change to Elena's stomach. Although, I say she's noticed changes but, we don't actually know how much she's understanding at the minute.
"And they all lived happily ever after," Elena finished, closing the book gently after.
"That was a nice story. Say 'ta' Isabella." I said after Elena had put the book down.
"Ta," she replied in her adorable, high pitched voice, which I just loved to hear.
"You're welcome, darling. Should we go and get some breakfast for our birthday girl?" Elena asked with such joy and excitement in her voice. Having a child has been one of the best experiences I think I'll ever experience in life. Being in our current situation, it was a miracle that I was able to experience this.
"No, wait, it's not anybody's birthday today. Is it?" I asked, pretending to be surprised, my facial expressions probably gone mad. Elena whispered something in her ear, causing her to erupt in giggles and shout 'me' repeatedly in her high pitched voice.
"How could we forget our baby girl's first birthday?" I lifted her from Elena's lap and held her with one hand, whilst the other grabbed Elena's, gently helping her up.
"Let's go and see what we've got for you downstairs," I quietly said to Isabella. We both walked down the stairs, hand-in-hand, with Isabella and into the kitchen. Elena and I spent over an hour last night setting up party decorations in the living room and kitchen for Isabella. Even though we're having a party for her tomorrow, as Elena's parents weren't able to get up here today, we still wanted to decorate for the occasion. We took her into the kitchen first because that's where we've placed all of her birthday presents.
Once she saw the presents wrapped in a variety of different colours, she began to wriggle about in my arms. I sat her down in her highchair, I sat down next to Isabella and sat Elena down on my lap. I've always taken any opportunity to hug or be close to Elena. We started her off by ripping the paper and watched as she pulled on the paper to reveal each of her presents.
Everyone had been so generous when it came to her birthday, Isabella had gotten some lovely presents from them all. We had gotten Isabella a few different toys like some new happy land sets and some princess-themed toys, which she's always loved playing with. We also bought her a princess canopy tent that we're going to hang up in her room, so that she can play in it with her new toys. Elena's family bought her new clothes and some lovely new toys.
When all of her presents had been unwrapped and breakfast had been eaten, we decided to get ready for the day. Elena wanted to take Isabella to the beach for the first time to celebrate her birthday, 'a perfect family day out' as she had described it. It's been warm outside lately so I also thought it would be a fun idea, I can't believe we've never taken her before. I had no idea why the idea never came up before.

Elena's POV

Once Isabella had opened all of her presents we all went to get ready. Whilst Stefan got ready I took Isabella into her room to get her dressed. I honestly couldn't believe that today was Isabella's first birthday. After finding out about Stefan and realising the love I have for him, I never expected us to have a child together. And I definitely never expected to be celebrating their first birthday being pregnant. I had ruled out the possibility of having kids with Stefan completely, clearly not knowing how possible it actually was. Life has definitely been a crazy journey for me, especially since I'm only 20 and have met the love of my life, have had a child with them, and am expecting for the second time.
Thinking about everything that's happened over my life time makes me think about how fast life has just passed us by. This was a thought that has constantly been worrying me for the past year, however my hormones have recently amplified this worry. I never want to loose Isabella to her age, I've always wanted her to forever be my little girl.
I must have gotten lost in my own thoughts because the next thing I noticed was Stefan stood in front of me, looking concerned.
"I'll take her," he said whilst gently taking Isabella out of my grasp. I must have looked a little crazy just standing in the middle of the room holding Isabella against my hip. From the expression on his face, I could tell he was a little concerned.
"Oh, okay, sorry," I said raising my gaze to meet his face. The corners of his mouth curled to form a small smile, which made me produce a little one in response.
"It's okay, no need to be. What were you thinking about?" He asked. Ever since I became pregnant I've been spacing out a lot and Stefan was probably used to it by now.
"Just about what's been bothering me pretty much since the day she was born." He sighed a little after I finished, and judging by his face, he knew what I was talking about.
"We have lots of time before we lose her to school or university. Even then, we don't actually lose her, her physical distance may increase but that doesn't mean we won't be able to contact her. No matter whether she's living here or at university or abroad, she'll always be our little girl, okay?" Stefan has always known how to reassure me, it seemed to be his magical power.
"Okay," I simply replied, giving him a small smile of reassurance.
"Go get dressed and I'll sort Isabella out," he said before placing a light kiss on my forehead. Smiling, I left the room and went to get dressed, figuring out what to wear would be a good way to divert my thoughts.
Since we were going to the beach, I went with a slightly baggy, white top tucked into light blue denim shorts. So I wouldn't get chilly, I picked a beige kimono-style cardigan, then for shoes I just went for sandals. I didn't want to wear anything revealing like a crop top as I was pregnant, so I thought this outfit would still make me look decent. I curled my hair a little so that it was wavy, and left it down; I also applied a little bit of makeup since it was a special occasion. Once I looked in the mirror and was happy with my look, I left and went to find Stefan.
"Are we ready?" I asked as I walked in to see Stefan and Isabella playing on the floor with her new toys.
"We sure are, are you-." He stopped mid way through his sentence as he turned around to look at me.
"Something wrong?" I asked giving a nervous laugh, wondering what could possibly have caused him to become short of words.
"You, You look very beautiful Elena, like always," he said with a grin. I felt my cheeks begin to heat up and I blushed at the compliment.
"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself," I teased. Smiling, he picked Isabella up and walked out of the door, giving me a light kiss on the way. He took my hand in his and led me down the stairs, where I grabbed mine and Isabella's bags and headed out. I placed the bags in the back of the car whilst Stefan strapped Isabella in the car. When we had both gotten in, Stefan ignited the engine and began to drive. Throughout the whole drive I couldn't help but stare at him with his strong, defined jawline, his leafy green eyes and just his sexiness in general. He must've known I was staring at him because every once in a while, a small smile would creep up on his face.
It took about two and a half hours to get there, which was why we left quite early, and once Stefan had parked, I was rearing to go. Isabella was thankfully awake so I took her out of the car whilst Stefan got her buggy out. Isabella has always been amazing when it comes to putting her in the buggy, she's never protested about it like a lot of little ones would. Very skilfully, Stefan took one of my hands in his and pushed the buggy with the other down towards to the sea front. I loved being at the beach. I never really went much as a child, which makes me determined to take Isabella at least once a year.
Once we had gotten on to the beach, I laid down the blanket and watched Stefan take Isabella down to the water. The scenery was breath taking, let alone having the two most special people in my life being in it. Stefan was crouched down whilst holding Isabella as the water lapped towards them. Smiling like crazy at the beautiful view, I unpacked our lunch that I had prepared and set it out neatly on the blanket.
A couple of minutes later, I saw a smiling Stefan and Isabella approach me.
"Having fun out there?" I said, watching as he sat down next to me, a smile plastered on his face. He placed Isabella down on my lap, only for me to realise that she was soaking wet.
"We are, Isabella's proof of that," he said smirking at the fact that I now have a soaking wet child on my lap.
"I see that now, how are you soaked already?" I asked Isabella as I gave her a small kiss on her cheek.
"Babe, you realise she's been in the water, right?" Stefan asked with a massive smirk, making me playfully push his shoulder.
"I know! But you two weren't out there that long." I attempted to defend myself but ended up laughing with Stefan. This was pretty much how we spent the majority of the day.

A few hours later

Isabella had fallen asleep whilst laying in Stefan's lap, as we were both sitting down on the sand. Isabella always falls asleep on Stefan, it's always so cute, he's literally her best friend.  My head was resting on the edge of Stefan's shoulder as his hand gently rested against my hip.
"Isabella always looks the most relaxed when she's with you. She loves you so much." I admired Isabella's sleeping face as she snuggled up closer to her dad.
"I'm glad that our child at least likes me, I was so scared that, once they were born, they wouldn't like me at all." This made my heart melt with sadness. Hearing Stefan doubt this fatherhood always devastates me because he's literally been the best father anyone could ever have asked for.
"I've never doubted that our children would love you just as much as I do. I always knew you'd be the best father you could possibly be." I lifted my head up to see that he had an adorable smile on his face. Being as hormonal as I am, I couldn't resist his gorgeous lips. I leaned in and crashed my lips against his for a passionate kiss, which we continued until we were forced to pull away for air.
"I love you too," Stefan whispered against my lips, smiling away.
Spending our daughter's first birthday, just us three, at the beach has been one of the best days ever. I have certainly enjoyed myself and I'm definitely sure I speak for Isabella and Stefan as well.
I'm so lucky to have such an amazing family who fill my life with so much love and happiness.

AN: PLEASE READ THIS: So as a little Christmas present, I decided to update this a lot quicker than I normally would! It's a rubbish present but I hope you enjoy it!
Also if you read the chapter and like it, please give it a vote! I'd like to see if people are actually enjoying the book since I've been debating whether to continue it or not. I would like to continue and finish the book, but only if people are actually enjoying it.
I want to know if this book is actually good? This isn't me trying to gain compliments but lately when I'm writing I've been wondering whether this story is actually interesting. The events to come are interesting but I just want to know if you guys are liking it, or if you have any feedback? Sorry for mistakes as this is rushed.
If you read this AN then thank you for your time! Love you!
-Chelsea x