"It's okay, little one. You're doing amazing," Alex murmured, gently swaying him in his arms.
He set Emma back on the floor, adjusting one of his toys to draw his attention. Emma, spurred on by Alex's support, tried again. This time, he pulled himself up onto the couch with another grunt. His little legs wobbled as he stood, holding onto the couch for support. Giggles bubbled out of him, and Alex watched, his breath held in anticipation.
At that moment, Emma took a tentative step forward. For an instant, Alex's stomach tightened. The doubt, the sleepless nights, the never-ending question of whether he was doing enough as a father—all of it hung in the air. But when Emma steadied himself and took another step, those worries melted away. Alex's heart swelled with pride. He couldn't stop the grin that spread across his face as Emma reached for the ball again, falling to his bum with a triumphant giggle.
"You did it, Emma! You're walking!" Alex exclaimed, his voice thick with emotion as he scooped Emma up into a tight hug.
Emma's laughter filled the room, a sound so pure it made everything else fade away. Alex held him close, feeling the warmth of Emma's tiny heartbeat against his chest, and for that moment, the world outside disappeared. This wasn't just a step for Emma—it was a step for both of them. Every challenge they had faced, every moment of doubt, led to this.
"I'm so proud of you," Alex whispered, his voice barely audible as he blinked back tears. The love he felt was overwhelming, and he knew, deep down, that no matter how hard things got, they would be okay. They had made it this far.
As they settled back onto the floor, Alex couldn't help but think of the night Emma had first come into his life. Thinking back to the nights where he lay awake, wondering if he could ever be enough for this tiny life, doubting every choice he made. But now, watching Emma take those steps, he realized he had been exactly what Emma needed.
"I love you, Emma" It wasn't always easy, but moments like this made every sleepless night, every worry, every doubt, worth it.
The evening after Emma's first steps, Alex is still basking in the glow of the milestone they shared. He's sitting on the floor with Emma, playing with toys. Emma is babbling excitedly, his little hands reaching for various objects as he interacts with Alex. The air between them feels light, filled with the unspoken connection only a father and son can share.
The room is quieter now—the sun has fully set, and soft lamplight fills the space. Alex watches as Emma, still energetic from his earlier accomplishment, crawls over to a stuffed animal he seems especially fond of. Alex chuckles.
"You like that one, huh?" Emma holds it close, babbling nonsense, but then something different happens. His gaze locks onto Alex, and with a determined look, his tiny lips form a word. Emma's hands stretched out as if he wanted to be picked up.
"Dada…" The word is soft, almost a whisper, but it's unmistakable. Alex freezes, unsure for a second if he'd really heard it. His heart skips a beat.
"What did you say, buddy?"
Emma beams, his little face lighting up with joy, as if proud of himself. He says it again, this time louder, clearer. Still wanting ups from Alex.
"Dada!" Alex feels his chest tighten, overwhelmed with emotion. He had dreamed of this moment but hadn't expected it to happen so soon after Emma's first steps. The simple word carries so much meaning, so much love and trust.
Tears well in Alex's eyes as he reaches for Emma, pulling him into a hug.
"That's right, I'm your Dada…" His voice cracks as he whispers into Emma's hair.
"I love you so much."
The two of them sit there, wrapped in the moment, Alex holding Emma close, rocking him gently. As the room quiets down, the only sound is Emma's soft, rhythmic breathing as he starts to drift off in Alex's arms.