It had been three weeks since the girls found out they were pregnant. It was a brisk Sunday morning in September. Naya had just reached her 3-month mark which means her first trimester was officially over. She's beyond grateful to have gotten past that stage safely. Knowing that they reached that milestone is the most incredible feeling for both girls. They have an 8 am appointment tomorrow before work at 11 am. Anne is positive they'll be able to hear a heartbeat this time around which the girls couldn't be more excited about.
Heather shuffled in bed opening her eyes for the first time letting them adjust to the sunlight coming through the shades. She turned over and saw her sleeping wife facing towards her. Her gorgeous brown eyes concealed, still sleeping peacefully. What made Heather stop and release a light gasp was seeing her wife cradle her flat belly. Heather couldn't wait until Naya was showing. The mere thought of actually seeing evidence of their child growing inside her wife was enough to cloud her eyes over in unleashed tears. Naya was cradling her tummy so naturally. She had a natural protective instinct so to see her already show that to their unborn baby was beyond endearing.
Heather lifts her hand and gently moves a piece of black hair from her wife's face, delicately moving it away from her eyes. She couldn't help herself and snakes her arm around Naya's waist shuffling close so she's holding her wife. She pulls the covers up over Naya and rests her hand over Naya's that's still covering her belly.
"You have no idea how much I love you both. The amount of joy the two of you bring to my life is limitless. Naya, just when I thought I couldn't love anyone or anything as much as you, we create this magical little person together. I just want you to know that you are endlessly loved. You and our perfect little love have my whole heart. I'm going to leave you alone and let you sleep now. I just wanted you to know that." Heather finishes her speech just above a whisper. Since Naya was sound asleep it was more for herself than anything else.
Heather got up carefully, pressed a soft kiss to the brunette's forehead, and grabbed some clothes out of the drawer before proceeding to the bathroom to shower.
The second the bathroom door closed, Naya's eyes popped open and a couple of tears slipped out. She rolled over in bed and placed her hand over her flat belly.
"Mama loves us so much, angel." Naya whispers while caressing her belly and wiping a few of the freshly fallen tears off her face. She can't believe she got this lucky.
Heather was seated at the kitchen island scrolling through Instagram for the latest happenings while sipping on her coffee when she heard Naya coming down the stairs.
Heather turned toward the staircase and smiled at the love of her life. "Good morning beautiful" Heather says with her arms outstretched waiting for Naya to reach her.
"Hey, baby" Naya says pulling Heather into a much tighter embrace than she was expecting. Heather relished it and placed one hand on the center of her back while the other cupped the back of her head. It wasn't until Naya pulled back she noticed her red eyes.
"Naya, sweetheart. What's wrong?" Heather asks worry evident in her voice.
"I'm alright. I heard you this morning." Naya responds letting out a little sniffle.
"Oh.." Heather says bashfully. "I thought you were sleeping."
"I was but I was starting to wake up enough to hear you. Do you have any idea how much I love you? Honestly, Heather, because sometimes I feel like I don't deserve you." Naya responds her voice still tinged with emotion.
"You don't deserve me…you deserve better than me. You are stuck with me though so I will try to be the best wife and mother you need me to be. You two are my priority. Everything else is secondary." Heather states.
"You're incredible. I just love you so much." Naya says pulling her wife close and placing a kiss on her lips.
The girls had just finished breakfast and were cuddling on the couch being lazy, I mean it is Sunday after all!
"Naya can I ask you something?" Heather quietly says.
"You never need permission to ask me something baby." Naya responds with a loving smile.
Heather takes a deep breath and continues. "What do you think about telling our friends tomorrow about the baby?" Heather asks cautiously.
"Wow, I guess we did decide to wait until we hit 3 months which we have, sorry, I think I'm just shocked that it's that time already. We probably don't have much time before I start to show so we definitely need to tell Ryan and the rest of the producers. We don't need them finding out from anyone else or worse the tabloids." Naya says all in one breath.
"Naya honey. I know it's nerve-wracking. Telling everyone is like accepting how real this actually is. It won't be our precious secret anymore, but that doesn't change the fact that it's still precious. It's just not a secret." Heather says simply making Naya flash her signature cheek-bunching grin.
"How do you always make everything so simple? I swear I can get my thoughts tangled in my head so easily and you just pull me back to reality." Naya adds
"Most of the time it is pretty easy. This happens to be one of those easy things. When our friends know we can have their support. If you're not feeling good they'll know why, and most of all I can have my hands all over you all the time. Seriously, do you know how hard it is to keep my hands off you and our little love? When he or she finally shows up in there..forget out it! You're already the most beautiful girl I've ever seen, then add you carrying my child on top of that.." Heather breathes out while staring at Naya's stomach making her blush.
"If you don't stop talking like this Mrs. Morris Rivera I'll pounce on you right now." Naya says with a hungry look in her eyes.
"I could talk about you all day. It's my favorite topic." Heather responds smirking at the brunette.
The girls woke up the next morning at 7 am to the sound of the dreaded alarm tune that played. They had to choose an obnoxious one because Naya could sleep through a hurricane.
Naya woke up and heard the shower running. She did her usual morning stretch and then moved her hand down to caress her belly offering a subtle good morning to their baby. As soon as her palm made contact with her belly she sat up abruptly shuffling out of bed and quickly moving over to the large full-length mirror. She lifted her shirt and that's when she saw it…
"Oh my god…" Naya breathed out in complete awe. "You showed up!" She says to her belly while moving her hand repeatedly over the now obvious bump just below her belly button.
"When did you pop out little one?!" Naya said with tears in her eyes. She immediately rushed into the bathroom and took off her clothes as fast as possible knowing she wanted to share this moment with Heather.
As soon as the shower door opened, Heather was startled but immediately relaxed when Naya wraps her arms around her neck, burying her face in the crook of her neck.
"Honey are you okay?" Heather asks worriedly separating herself just enough to be able to look her wife in the eyes. "Naya why are you crying?" Heather is now flustered.
"Can I have your hand baby?" Naya asked eagerly and nervously all at the same time. She was just a ball of emotions.
"Naya…?" Heather wonders with confusion.
"Baby, please?" Naya asks with a desperate look. Heather agrees and holds out her hand for her wife to take.
Naya glances at her outstretched hand and takes a deep breath. Heather's confusion completely disappears the second Naya places her hand over the newly developed bump.
Heather's eyes grow comically wide and she brings her other hand up to her mouth in pure shock. She was not expecting this today.
"No way! Oh my god! Hi, my littlest love! Hi honey! It's momma! I'm so glad I can finally see you in there! Mami must be doing a good job taking care of you because you are growing so big and strong already. I'm so proud of you!" Heather finishes by placing several kisses on her belly. Naya simply looked on in complete and utter adoration for her little family.
"Naya sweetheart are you ready to go to our appointment?" Heather calls from the base of the staircase. She can't wipe off the permanent smile that's been plastered on her face since their shower this morning.
"Coming baby!" Naya calls back as she exits the bedroom.
As soon as Heather sees Naya she smiles even wider. She can't help it!
"You keep looking at me like that.." Naya says bashfully but also enjoying the attention from her wife. Seeing Heather bond with their baby now that she can see and feel the bump is pure bliss. Naya can't get enough of how adorable her wife is.
"You look beautiful. Well, both of you do." Heather says turning to wink at her wife and grabbing her hand placing a kiss on her palm.
"You're insanely sweet. Today will be a good day." Naya responds with a loving gaze.
"The best day!" Heather says matter of factly.
Heather and Naya had just arrived at the clinic for their 3-month checkup. They are currently waiting for their names to be called back. They take a seat near the window enjoying the warmth of the sun coming through the glass panes.
"Ready to hear the baby's heartbeat, love?" Heather asks with a smile her hand automatically moving to cover the newly visible bump.
"Naya smiles immediately at her wife's natural instinct and looks up with a big smile. "I can't wait. Everything will make it so real today! First I start showing, then we hopefully will hear a heartbeat. To top off our day we get to tell our friends…Heather, I don't think it gets better than that." Naya says clearing her throat. Emotion was evident in her voice. Heather notices and places a tender kiss on the side of her head while still cupping the baby bump.
"I can't wait my love." Heather says simply but lovingly.
Hello Ladies! So nice to see you again! You two look very happy for a Monday." Nurse Anne comments with a smile.
"We couldn't be more thrilled. Our baby decided to show up today! It's like the best day ever!" Heather excitedly says from the chair beside the bed. Naya looks at her wife adoringly at how excited she was about everything.
"Oh, how exciting! I remember back with my kiddos. That was a very special moment! Naya why don't you hop up on the bed and we will get started. Naya nods and walks over to the bed. Heather immediately stands up taking Naya's hand and assisting her on the bed then placing a kiss on her left shoulder. The nurse smiles at them.
"Alright, Naya this will be slightly chilly so bare with me." Anne says as she squirts some blue gel over Naya's bump. Naya flinches slightly and directs her attention to the screen.
Heather bends her legs so she's level with Naya and massages her head with one hand while the other holds Nayas left hand and places kisses on every knuckle. Naya removes her eyes from the screen and connects her eyes with her wife. They share a knowing glance and Heather brings Naya in for a sweet kiss. Heather places one last kiss on the tip of her nose and they are immediately snapped back to reality when they hear the unmistakable sound of a little fast-paced heartbeat echo throughout the room.
Both Heather and Naya snap their heads back towards the screen and gaze in amazement at the human growing inside Naya. The last time they visited it was still a cluster of cells and they weren't able to distinguish any features.
They look at the screen and are able to see a perfectly shaped head, a little round belly, tiny little legs, and arms forming, and even beginning to see distinct facial features beginning to transform. This sweet little being looked like an actual baby. They continue to listen to the heartbeat in total and complete bliss.
"Oh my god, love! That's our baby! He or she is perfect!" Heather says with tears streaming down her face.
"They are. So perfect." Naya chokes out in between sobs. Both girls were a crying mess. "Sorry, Anne. We're a mess!" Naya laughs through her tears
"Oh, goodness don't worry about it! It's a big moment. You two take a minute while I grab the baby's measurements." Anne replies before getting to work
Heather cups Naya's cheeks and pulls her in for a sweet kiss. "You are so amazing did you know that? You're growing a human. You have no idea how much I love you." Heather says while kissing her wife's lips and wiping the tears escaping her deep down eyes.
"Goodness Heather you're going to make me teary! That's probably one of the sweetest things I've ever heard! Naya is she always this sweet?" Anne says looking at the couple.
"Always. You'd think I'd be somewhat used to it by now but it gets me every time." Naya replies with a teary smile.
"You too are a lovely couple. I'm so excited for both of you. Next ultrasound we should be able to verify the gender." Anna says with a smile.
"Wow! I honestly can't believe it! Thank you so much!" Heather replies completely unable to hold back her excitement.
"I'll see you both next time. Be sure to stop at the front desk on your way out and they will set up your next appointment. Take care you two." Anne says while leaving the room.
Heather grabs Naya's arm helping her off the bed and immediately pulls her into one of the biggest hugs they've ever shared. Heather's fingers tangled with Naya's long black locks. "My beautiful Naya. I'm so grateful to you. The absolute love of my life."
"I'll never be able to express how much I love you for the way you love, protect, and take care of me. I love you more than you could ever imagine Heather. Ready to go tell our friends?" Naya says with a smile.
Heather's face immediately lights up at the thought of telling their friends. They agreed they would tell their families in person since they were all coming into the city in two weeks.
The girls pull into their usual parking spot at the Paramount lot. Heather puts their Mercedes in park and turns off the ignition. She hopped out of the driver's side closing the door behind her and runs around the back of the vehicle to open Naya's side. Naya immediately smiles at Heather.
"Are you ready for this baby?" Naya asks with a smile while taking off her seatbelt and turning in her seat so she's facing Heather.
"You mean to tell our best friends that the love of my life is carrying the other love of my life? I've never been more ready." Heather replies. Naya simply shakes her head and smiles at Heather's complete inability to see just how much her words mean to her. Some spouses never hear these kinds of things, but here's her wife who says them all the time like it's just natural.
"You're the sweetest. Alright, baby let's do this. Oh, let me send a group text and tell everyone to meet us in our trailer in 10 minutes." Naya says while pulling out her iPhone. Heather nods in reply. Once Naya sends out the text she hops out of their Mercedes with Heather's help and they make their way to their trailer.
The girls are standing in their trailer trying to relax before their friends start showing up.
"Why am I so nervous?" Naya asks.
"It's a big moment love, it's alright to be nervous. You know it will be okay though. Our baby will have so many aunts and uncles who adore them. How amazing is that?!" Heather replies with a big grin.
Naya immediately relaxes at Heather's words. Of course, Heather could instantly manage to calm her down.
Heather walks over to Naya and looks her up and down which makes Naya smile but also raises an eyebrow at her wife's actions. "That was such a good idea" Heather says.
"What was?" Naya asked confused.
"You wearing a tight top under your hoodie. Sweetheart, turn to the side.." Naya does as Heather asked and faces the window her bump on full display under her black tank top.
"That's my favorite sight in the world." Heather says while taking a photo of Naya with her hand under her belly looking down at her bump.
"You're sweet. He or she is definitely growing in there. I have to admit it's so much more exciting to tell them when we have something to show them, you know?" Naya asks shyly.
"I do know." Heather replies while running her hand over the small bump. As they pull away from their kiss they hear a handful of their friends approach the trailer. Heather walks over and holds the door open for her friends.
"Hey guys, where's the rest of the gang?" Heather asks as they all walk in.
"They're right behind us." Chris says.
"What's so serious? Did you two do something illegal?" Chord asks raising an eyebrow.
"No trouty we didn't." Naya replies with an eye roll.
"You both are okay though, right?" Amber asks sounding concerned.
"We're perfect Amber. It's nothing bad don't worry." Heather assures causing Amber to let out an audible sigh of relief.
A knock at the door causes everyone to look up. Kevin opens the door letting Diana, Lea, Harry, Cory, and Jenna inside. Heather quickly takes a look around the room making sure everyone is there.
"Alright, guys grab a seat on the couch or at the table. There's a couple of chairs beside the couch we can fold out too." Heather says pointing at the two folding chairs. Vanessa and Jenna grab those and sit beside the couch. Diana, Lea, Amber, Harry, Chris squeeze together on the couch. Kevin and Mark sit on the arm of the couch on either side. Chord and Darren take a seat at the table. Once everyone is situated Heather looks at Naya for her nod of approval and begins.
"Alright, guys. We won't keep you here too long but there is something you need to know. Now before I tell any of you a word I need you all to promise us something." Heather says in her serious tone which everyone knows means business since she's typically very cool, calm, and easy-going.
They watch their friends nod in understanding. "This information cannot leave this room. Understand? We are telling you this because we trust you all like family. Can we trust you?" Heather finishes waiting for confirmation from every person before continuing.
"Would you like to finish my love?" Heather asks Naya giving her the opportunity to share their news. Naya simply leans into Heather, her bump concealed discreetly by her oversized hoodie.
"I want you to tell them, baby." Naya smiles and kisses Heather on the lips.
"Well somebody tell us..." Mark adds fidgeting in anticipation.
"Ok, everyone. So Naya and I started off on this set and created the most amazing friendship and from that formed the most incredible marriage. You all have been there for us from day one and we are so incredibly lucky to have your support. I guess what I'm trying to say is….are you all ready to be uncles and aunties?!" Heather exclaims excitedly.
"What?!" Amber shouts with a huge smile and both hands move to cover her mouth in awe.
"No way! Oh my god! Auntie Vanessa! I gotta start shopping!" Vanessa replies jumping up and down in her seat.
Jenna is sitting in her chair with a huge smile and tears running down her face.
Lea is telling Amber how she hopes it's a little girl she can train to basically be a mini version of herself.
Diana is sitting on the couch with a smile looking at her two best friends in complete awe.
Chris is already planning on making sure this kid is the best-dressed child he's ever seen.
Chord and Darren are beside Heather giving her a high five clearly happy about becoming uncles.
Mark looks shocked, to say the least. I think the reality is finally hitting him that Naya is taken. I mean the engagement and wedding should have done that for him but apparently, you need to have a child before he gets the hint.
Kevin smiles big and is the first one to speak up. "Wait, how far along are you? Did you just find out?" He asks curiously. Both girls watch as all their friends turn their attention towards them waiting for an answer.
"I'm 3 months pregnant. We just had our 3-month checkup before we came here." Naya stated with a smile before looking at her wife who was smiling right back at her and wraps an arm around Naya's back.
Their friends look shocked, to say the least. They scan the room to see jaws dropped, wide eyes and mouths attempting to speak but can't find the words.
"Oh, we have a photo of our little love. Who wants it first? Do not rip it!" Heather warns but excitedly grabs the printed photo from her bag and hands it to Amber who's in full auntie mode. Sniffles, tears, and telling the girls that this is the cutest baby she's ever seen in her life. The girls giggle and hug each other in response to hearing Amber's words. The photo is passed around to everyone and all Heather and Naya hear for the next two minutes are various coos and awes from their friends.
"Wanna show them?" Heather turns to her wife and asks.
Naya simply Nods her head shyly. The group looks on wondering what the girls are referring to. Heather smiles at Naya as she slowly unzips her hoodie and slides her arms through the sleeves with Heather's help before Heather takes off her sweatshirt and throws it on the table. Naya pulls down her tank so it's flat against her belly and turns to the side. Immediately she hears screeching and people clambering to touch her belly.
Heather immediately goes into mama bear mode and stands in front of Naya. "Woah guys my mama heart can't handle that chaos. You all practically knocked her over. Let Naya sit on the couch and then you guys can come see the bump…but calmly this time! Don't act like animals. It makes me too nervous." Heather tells her friends while guiding Naya over to the couch. The guys stand up right away offering their spots. Heather takes a seat and pulls Naya into her lap placing her hands protectively over Nayas bump.
"Oh my god Naya you are the cutest pregnant woman ever. I seriously can't handle it." Vanessa says excitedly.
"Aww thank you, Nessa." Naya responds with a smile.
"Seriously this kid is going to be so loved! Have you told Ryan or the producers yet?" Amber asks while placing her hand gently on Naya's belly after silently waiting for Heather's permission.
"That's our next order of business. We will probably go there after lunch. That's typically when Ryan shows up." Naya responds. Leaning back against Heather allowing her bump to become more evident.
Jenna takes her turn gently placing her hand over Naya's belly. "I'm in shock. Definitely not what I was expecting. I'm so insanely happy for you two. Aunt Jenna! Eek!" Jenna squeals before standing and giving both of the girls a hug.
This went on for the next 20 minutes before they all had to go their separate directions on set.
"I'd say that went pretty good wouldn't you?" Heather speaks up after the door closes behind her friends.
"I don't think it could have gone more perfect. I love our friends and it makes me so happy to have their love and support." Naya responds with a smile but immediately turns into a frown as another thought pops into her head.
"So how should we go about telling Ryan? This is a huge deal? What if he's not ok with it?" Naya rambles
Heather immediately pulls her wife close and caresses her belly. "We will be completely honest and transparent. Everything will be just fine my love. Don't get yourself worked up, alright?" Heather finishes.
"Ok. I'll do my best. Should we grab something to eat? Your child is starving!" Naya says excitedly at the thought of food.
Heather giggles at how adorable her wife is. "Oh, the baby's hungry, sure! It wouldn't be my Naya that's having some cravings would it?" Heather giggles.
"I resent that!" Naya feigns hurt but quickly forgets now determined to get food. Heather can't help but chuckle and spin on her heels following Naya out the door.