Mary's pov:
As I sat eating, feeling the warmth of the food bringing some energy back into my body, I couldn't take my eyes off Mom and Soren. She held him so tenderly, her arms cradling his tiny form as if he were the most fragile and precious thing in the world. The smile on her face was something I hadn't seen in years—a pure, radiant joy that made her seem years younger. It was as if every worry, every hardship we'd ever faced had melted away in the presence of this little life.
I swallowed another bite, trying to focus on the food, but my attention kept drifting back to them. Seeing Mom so happy, so completely enraptured by Soren, filled me with a deep sense of peace.
She looked up at me, catching my gaze, and her smile widened even more. "He's beautiful, Mary," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "He's just... perfect."
I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a tear slip down my cheek. "I know, Mom. He really is."
She carefully shifted Soren in her arms, her eyes never leaving his face. "You did so well, sweetheart. I'm so proud of you."
Those words, coming from her, meant everything to me. I'd always wanted to make her proud, and hearing it now, in this moment, made my heart swell with gratitude and love. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you."
She shook her head, her eyes shining. "You're stronger than you know, Mary. You're going to be an amazing mother."
I looked down at my plate, overwhelmed by her words, by the weight of everything that had happened. Becoming a mother, bringing Soren into the world—it was all so much, so fast, but somehow, in this moment, I felt ready. More ready than I'd ever thought I could be.
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A few minutes later Dad and Liam walked in in with fruit basket and bags of snacks, "My sweet girl, look at you." He smiled as he ran up to me and hugged me.
"I missed you." I smiled as I melted into the hug.
He slightly pushed back cupped my face and smiled, "you did so great buttercup."
"Dad, I'm a mother now you can't call me buttercup anymore." I chuckled.
"You're still my little girl though." He added.
"Congratulations sis, I can't believe I'm an uncle." Liam chimed in placing the fruit basket on the drawer and walked over to mom who was holding sleeping Soren.
"Look at him, my cute little grandson!" Dad rejoiced as he took a seat next to mom.
Liam stood beside Mom, peering down at Soren with wide eyes, a mix of awe and disbelief on his face. "I can't believe this little guy is my nephew," he said, his voice tinged with amazement. "He's so tiny... and perfect."
Mom beamed up at Liam, gently rocking Soren in her arms. "He's a blessing, isn't he? And you're going to be the best uncle, Liam. He's going to look up to you so much."
Liam chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "No pressure, right? But honestly, I can't wait to teach him all the cool stuff. Like how to build the best LEGO castles or catch the biggest fish."
I laughed, feeling a surge of affection for my brother. "I'm sure he'll love that. Just don't teach him any of your bad habits, okay?"
Liam grinned, throwing me a playful wink. "No promises."
Dad, who had taken a seat next to Mom, was gazing at Soren with a look of pure adoration. "Look at him," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "My cute little grandson... Mary, you and David did an amazing job. He's perfect in every way."
I felt my heart swell with pride as I watched my dad, usually so composed and strong, completely melt at the sight of his first grandchild. It was a side of him I hadn't seen before, and it made this moment even more special.
"You're going to spoil him rotten aren't you?" I asked, "You best believe, his my first grand baby." He replied joyfully.
———————————
Later that evening as the sun settled on the horizon, Soren was in full sleep while dad and Liam got ready to leave.
"You know you don't have to stay at a hotel pa, David won't be bothered with you two staying in the house while staying here." I told him.
"Having your mom there with you is enough sweetheart, we will still come and visit you." He stated.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
Dad smiled and nodded, before heading out he kissed my forehead and rubbed my head. As they were about to walk out David walked in with two full bags in hand.
"Oh, Mr, Johnson, you're leaving so soon?" He asked surprised, "Yeah, visitation time is ending soon." Dad replied.
"Oh, okay then. Our house help has prepared rooms for you two, hope you guys get a good rest." He told them.
"Their staying at a hotel." I told him
David glanced between me and my dad, a look of understanding crossing his face. "I thought you were staying at a hotel, but if you're up for it, we have plenty of space at our place," he said, his tone inviting.
Dad shook his head with a gentle smile. "Thank you, David, but we appreciate the offer. We don't want to intrude. We'll be comfortable at the hotel, and we'll definitely come by to visit."
David nodded, accepting their decision with a smile. "Alright, if that's what you prefer. Just know that the offer stands if you change your mind."
Liam, who had been quietly listening, looked at David and then at me. "We'll take you up on that offer another time. I'm looking forward to spending more time with Soren."
Dad gave David a grateful nod. "Thank you for understanding. We just want to make sure you and Mary have some time alone with Soren."
David smiled warmly, walking over to me and giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call. We're here to help however we can."
"I know," I said, feeling a deep appreciation for David's kindness. "Thank you for everything."
As Dad and Liam prepared to leave, David helped them with their bags, his demeanor still friendly and accommodating. "Safe travels, and we'll see you soon," David said as he handed them the last of their things.
Dad hugged me one more time, his eyes shining with affection. "Take care of yourself, Mary. We'll be back to visit soon. And remember, if you need anything, just call."
"I will," I replied, hugging him tightly. "Drive safely, and thank you for everything."
With final goodbyes and waves, Dad and Liam headed out. David and I watched them go, feeling a mixture of relief and gratitude for their support and presence.
As the door closed behind them, David turned to me, his expression softening. "It's been a long day. How are you holding up?"
I smiled, feeling the fatigue but also a deep sense of contentment. "I'm doing okay. It's been overwhelming, but in the best way possible. Having everyone here has been wonderful."
He smiled as he brushed my hair behind my ears, "you look so sexy right." He whispered.
"David…I just gave birth and you can't be saying that around our baby." I said slightly hitting him, "What, can't I be attracted to my wife." He chuckled.
"Fiancé." I corrected him, "then let's get married, tomorrow." He added.
I looked up at David, a mixture of surprise and amusement on my face. "Tomorrow?" I echoed, trying to process his sudden proposal. "You're funny."
David smiled, his eyes filled with determination. "We don't have to have a grand wedding. Let's just get court married tomorrow and then we can have a big celebration when you're ready. I just want to be officially married to you."
His straightforwardness and the sincerity in his voice made my heart swell. I could see how much he meant every word, and it touched me deeply. "I love the idea. It's simple and meaningful. Just us, officially becoming a family."
David nodded, clearly relieved and excited. "Exactly. We can keep it simple and personal. We can plan a grand party for later when you feel up to it. Right now, what matters most is that we're together as a family."
I reached out and took his hand, feeling the warmth of his touch and the love behind his words. "I'm in. Let's do it. Let's get married tomorrow."
David's face lit up with a bright smile, and he leaned in to kiss me softly. "I can't wait. I love you, Mary."
"I love you too, David," I said, my voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for making this moment so special."
TBC