Zephaniah // z.m

Seventy four

Zayn

I regretted telling Zephaniah that we had a surprise for him, because, honestly, I could've known it would only make him anxious as he never liked unexpected things. If it was an unexpected situation, unexpected guests or unexpected new material in our house- he'd never like it.

Though, I was super sure once he'd get to know what his surprise was- he would be more than happy. Just a few more minutes.

My heart was pumping blood rapidly, nerves flying through my own body as I couldn't wait to see Hannah, and, Zephaniah's reaction.

"W-wwhat is it daddy?" Zephaniah frowned, hanging listlessly onto my lap as he was still not feeling completely well. Same went for me- though I had recovered enough to take care of myself and Zephaniah on my own.

I hadn't seen Hannah for a few days after I had told her everything about the situation with Lexi, and to be honest, it was good for me.

I had time to think things through and so had she, as I knew I had probably overwhelmed her with my emotional state. Blushing at the thoughts, I couldn't help but admit how relieved I felt once everything was spilled out.

Nothing to hide anymore, nothing to hold back, time to forget, forgive and move on. It felt so good, and I wondered why I hadn't done it before. But then again- I had needed Hannah, she was the one who taught me after all.

"You'll see in a bit, okay? Don't be nervous. You will love it," I said, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

Zephaniah lied his head down on my lap, looking at me as he fiddled with his little fingers. "But, uhm, w-wwill you stay? When surprise c-come to me?"

"Always," I now kissed his little nose, my smile widening as I heard the doorbell ring. "Oh, Zeph! It's your surprise, come on, let's go!" I tried to make him excited, but he pulled an anxious expression instead.

"Baba," he said quietly, flapping his hands while he slowly shook his head.

I simply took his small hand and gave it a light squeeze, taking him towards the front door. Opening it, I noticed Hannah, but, without Cooper.

"Hey!" Hannah smiled, waving at Zephaniah.

Frowning a little, my thoughts were pushed away when Zephaniah started to smile widely, his eyes sparkling, "Oh, Ms. Hannah! Good sur-surprise, baba." He blushed, wrapping his small arms around her waist.

"Awe, Zeph." Hannah smiled, kissing his forehead.

"Well, can't disagree," I chuckled, letting her inside once Zephaniah was untangled from her waist. Hannah playfully rolled her eyes, hitting my chest lightly.

"Though, I thought the surprise.." My voice faded, realising how rude that would sound. Because, even when she said she would be giving him to us, it was still hers.

I blushed, closing the door and pretending that I hadn't said a word. Watching how happy Zephaniah suddenly was now that the nerves had flooded out of his body, relief coming back instead, it made me smile.

"Well, Zeph." Hannah started, pointing at the backyard. "Your surprise is in there." She led him over to the back door, with me following close.

I couldn't help but grin, maybe because it relieved me. Hannah bit her nails, glancing at me. "I'm so nervous," she whispered, shrieking.

"He'll love it, Hannah." I assured, standing close beside her, nearly laying my arm down on her shoulders, but I held myself in.

Zephaniah looked up at the both of us with a confused expression, his eyes wide. "You are s-surprise Ms. Hannah," he whispered, frowning.