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I reach for her hand, a silent vow to face whatever comes our way, together. "We'll figure it out, Mia. One step at a time."
And in that moment, despite the uncertainty of our future, I believed in ‘us’.
Chapter 14
~ Mia ~
Preparations and Precautions
As Dylan and Emily chase each other around the backyard, Jake and I find ourselves locked in an intense conversation in the kitchen.
The weight of our discussion from the previous night still hangs heavy as we work through our past and look towards a bright future together. But now, with the imminent arrival of our baby, the stakes feel higher than ever before.
We are both filled with a sense of urgency and excitement, eager to prepare for the new life that will soon be joining our family. As I watch the kids playing outside, I can't help but feel a rush of love and anticipation for the journey that lies ahead.
"Have you thought about it?" I ask, breaking the silence of Jake's kitchen as we sit down with our morning coffee, a list of baby essentials before us.
"Thought about what?" Jake looks up, his eyes searching mine.
"Whether you'd want a boy or a girl," I say, a playful smile tugging at my lips. It's a light-hearted question, but somehow, it feels like everything in this moment.
Jake's warm and infectiously uplifting laughter fills the room. "Honestly, I've always imagined having a little girl. Can you imagine that? A tiny version of us, but a girl. I already have a son, and a daughter would complete the picture."
His admission surprises me, a delightful contrast to my secret wish. "That's funny," I chuckle, "because I've been thinking maybe a boy would be nice. I already have a daughter, and the thought of adding a little boy to our mix just..." I trail off, the idea warming my heart.
The irony isn't lost on either of us, and we share a laugh, reveling in the unexpected joy of this simple conversation. It's a moment of levity amidst the uncertainty of our future. A reminder that we can find humor and happiness together.
"Well, since we're on the topic," Jake begins, his tone shifting to playful curiosity, "have you thought of any names? For either a boy or a girl?"
I nod, naming our child suddenly feeling like the most crucial decision. "For a girl, I've always loved the name Emma. It's simple, classic."
"And for a boy?" Jake prompts, his interest piqued as he reaches for a pen, ready to jot down our thoughts.
"James," I say without hesitation. "It's strong but timeless."
Jake writes down the names, and we continue back and forth, suggesting names. Some are met with laughter, others with a thoughtful nod. Our list grows, and our child has a mix of possibilities, each name a promise of a future filled with love, challenges, and infinite joy.
Jake leans back, a twinkle in his eye. "What about Sophie for a girl? It’s got a kind of elegance to it."
I tilt my head, considering. "Sophie... Yeah, I like it. It feels gentle yet sophisticated."
"And for a boy, what do you think of the name Ethan?" I propose, a new thought striking me. "It sounds strong, reliable."
He scribbles down the suggestion, nodding in agreement. "Ethan, I can get behind that. It does have a certain determination to it."
Pausing, Jake looks up, his expression thoughtful. "You know, my grandfather was named Theodore. I called him Theo for short. There’s something about that name—resilient, classic, but with a modern twist."
I smile, warmed by the connection to his heritage. "Theo... It’s perfect. It carries weight and history, yet it’s adaptable and lively."
Our eyes meet, an unspoken agreement passing between us. "And for another girl’s name... What about Ava? It’s so vibrant and full of life," he suggests, his voice softening.
"Ava," I repeat, rolling the name around. "Yes, it’s wonderful. It's full of light, just like she would be."
Jake flips the page, his gaze still connected with mine, a signal we’re shifting to another critical decision. "What about the birth plan, Mia? Have you thought more about a midwife versus a hospital delivery?"
I draw a deep breath, the topic weighty with implications. "I have, and it's not a simple choice. With a midwife, this beautiful notion of a natural, more intimate birth experience exists. It might be less clinical, more about us as a family."
He nods, acknowledging the point. "True, the personal attention and the home comfort aspect are appealing. But what concerns me is the ‘what if’—what if something goes wrong? In a hospital, you have immediate access to more medical interventions."
