♡Lily's World/omb-Oscar Diaz♡

♡Capitulo cuarenta y dos - Lily Party♡

Cesar POV

The sterile scent of antiseptic lingered softly as Monse sat on the exam table earlier that afternoon, her hand resting protectively on her rounded belly. I stood beside her, fingers intertwined with hers, trying to calm the nervous flutter in my chest.

Dr. Matthews smiled warmly, clipboard in hand. "Monse, everything looks good. Baby's heart rate is strong, and you're already at 1 centimeter dilated. He might come any day now."

Monse's eyes sparkled with excitement and a bit of worry. "I had some nausea this morning and mild contractions last night."

"Normal signs," the doctor reassured us. "Keep monitoring, and come in if things intensify. You're in great hands."

I squeezed her hand and whispered, "We just want him to wait a bit longer. It'd be special if he shared a birthday with Oscar."

She smiled, tears glistening. "It feels like a gift."

The afternoon sun poured through the apartment windows as I finished placing balloons near the crib. The soft vanilla scent of cake mingled with baby powder in the air. Monse had stepped out to get labs and pick up the sweets for our small celebration.

Leaning against the counter, I spotted Mini's car pulling up. A warm smile spread across my face. "We can't celebrate with you, brother," I whispered, looking up at the sky. "But I know you're watching us."

The door opened, and Norma and Ray walked in carrying hot diner bags. Norma came over immediately and wrapped me in a hug, her presence steady and comforting.

"Ain't that the truth," she said softly. "Your niece's got big news for her uncle. How are you and Monse doing? Only a few more weeks now."

Ray shook my hand firmly, his calm eyes full of support. "We're all here for you."

I smiled and kissed Norma's cheek. "Thanks, both of you. We just finished the nursery. Everything's ready."

Leading them to the room, I pulled out the ultrasound pictures. "Our boy's almost nine pounds and at 1 centimeter. The doctor thinks he could come any day. Monse hopes he waits a little longer to share a birthday with Oscar."

Norma wiped a tear away and smiled softly, brushing a hand over my shoulder. "Your wife has a good heart, Cesar. Keep us posted."

Ray nodded in agreement. "Whatever you need, we've got your back."

Suddenly, Lily burst in, her eyes shining with excitement. She jumped into my arms. "Hey little one, any news for me?"

Lily nodded eagerly, grinning. "I get to stay with Mommy Mini full time! No more going back to Mommy Katie."

I laughed and hugged her close. "That's great, sweetheart. Means you'll meet your cousin sooner. Remember our little secret?"

She giggled, resting her head on my shoulder. "Uncle Cesar, I'm very, very happy."

Norma smiled warmly at Lily and gently ruffled her hair. "We're all so happy, baby girl."

Ray smiled at all of us, a quiet pillar of strength.

Mini POV