Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
B R A D
[FLASHBACK, 6 MONTHS AGO]
"I want to teach Lily how to play guitar." I said quietly as I twirled a piece of Maddie's hair around my finger as she gently rubbed her palm against her swollen stomach.
"That'd make my heart burst." Maddie's giggled, looking up at me with her beautiful hazel eyes. The light from the lamp beside us making her eyes look as if golden specks were dotted around her iris.
I chuckled at her response, knowing she'd say something like that.
"You're a really good dad, you know." Maddie said softly, her hand removing mine from her hair so she could hold it. My heart fluttered by what she said. Something small, yet so meaningful.
"And you're an amazing mum." I replied with hot cheeks and a wide smile. Maddie giggled as I kissed her cheek and nestled my face into the warm skin of her neck, inhaling her sweet scent.
"When this baby is born, whether it's a boy or a girl, I'll be the luckiest man in the world." I gently grazed my finger over her hand that rested lightly on her big bump.
"You're so cheesy!" Maddie couldn't help but laugh. Seeing her happy is such a simple yet precious thing. She is so beautifully gifted. Inside and out.
Suddenly, a creak in the floorboards came from right outside the living room door. Both of our heads turn to see a sleepy Lily with her toy elephant in one hand, while her other hand rubbed her eye.
"What are you doing down here? Did you walk down the stairs by yourself?!" Maddie asked as soon as she saw Lily - the little, dark haired beauty clothed in a white onesie with faded yellow stripes.
"Mhm." Was all Lily said while she nervously swayed the toy elephant in her hand. Her eyes were wide but also bloodshot from not having enough sleep, she's had a lot of late nights recently - not good for a toddler.
"Come here." I shrugged, thinking no harm could be done by having her sit with us until she falls asleep. Lily's frown grew into a smile as she squeezed the elephant in her hands and ran over to us, placing herself between myself and Maddie.
Pip lay as still as a log in her bed, her chin tucked under her paw as she slept soundly.
"Why are you up?" Maddie looked down to face Lily, who's hair looked like a birds nest.
"I couldn't sleep.." Lily said quietly, fiddling with her toy. Her eyes avoiding contact with ours.
"Lily?" I questioned, slightly grinning towards Maddie who was about to burst out laughing. Lily looked up at me with her big eyes, her long, thick eyelashes fluttering when she blinked.
