December 24th, 2014
"Mhmm baby." Naya moans as Heather is kissing her neck from behind. Her arm was draped over her midsection with a protective hand over her belly.
"Merry Christmas Eve, Beautiful" Heather says while leaning over to kiss her wife on the cheek. Naya lifts and turns her head slightly so they are able to connect their lips. As soon as they separate Naya has a big smile on her face.
"Merry Christmas Eve baby!" Naya said cheerfully. She would have flipped over much quicker but her belly was making her movements more slow and careful.
"Easy, honey," Heather says as she takes her hand and lifts her bump slightly to alleviate some of the weight so she can twist over more easily. Naya sighed heavily at how much work those small movements were becoming now. Heather placed a boppy pillow around her wife's belly to support it. Someone had told her that life hack and they ended up trying it and it really did help lift some of the weight of her belly.
"Baby girl's getting so damn heavy." Naya sighs taking a deep breath. "I can't believe next Christmas we will have a baby with us! Is that not crazy! We have waited for this for so long and it feels like it's coming so fast." Naya says with tears in her eyes.
"Sweetheart, what is it? Talk to me, honey. What are you feeling right now?" Heather encourages while pulling her wife as close as she can now that the pillow is in between them supporting the weight of her stomach.
"I think I'm getting scared. The reality of everything is getting so much closer. Before it was so far away that I didn't really stress about it but now she's so close to being here. What if I'm not good at this? What if I'm not good enough for her?" Naya stutters through a sob. Heather sits up slightly so she could gather her wife in her arms without her having to move from where she's already comfortable.
"Listen to me baby, if anyone was made to be a mother it was you. I know it's not something you've always seen for yourself but I have no doubt in my mind that you will be the best and most nurturing mother our beautiful daughter could ask for. She will be headstrong like her mami, fierce, loyal, confident, not to mention absolutely stunning. You will guide her in the most beautiful way and I will be right by your side. I'm sure we will make many mistakes, but you have to know that I'll protect you both with my life." Heather says as Naya tries to control her sobs. Naya manages to lift her head and looks at Heather as if she couldn't have said a more perfect thing at that moment.
"You are the best thing that's ever happened to me, Heather. Please don't ever leave me. I don't know what I would do without you." Naya pleads hiding her face in Heather's neck. Heather is taken aback by what Naya just said. She was no idea where that came from.
"Naya sweetheart. What do you mean? Why on earth would I ever leave you?" Heather questions while running her fingers through her wife's hair.
"Gahh, I don't even know. I just had a moment. I think just knowing it's the last Christmas with just the two of us before our life changes is really overwhelming and just hit me all at once. I just love you so much and I need you more than anything." Naya finishes bringing her head back to glance in her wife's piercing ocean eyes.
"Look me in the eyes, my love," Heather says waiting for Naya to look up at her. Once she does Heather kisses her on the forehead and continues.
"Please never be insecure or unsure of my unwavering love for you. There's nothing or nobody on this planet that I could love more than you and my daughter. You two are my entire world. Is there something I did that makes you question that, love?" Heather finishes
"God no. You are literally the perfect person, wife, mother, and friend. This is all me and probably my baby hormones running wild. I think having this baby with you is making me see how much I'm about to have, but it also makes me scared at the same time because I could lose everything just as easy." Naya says as Heather wipes the tears from her wife's eyes with her thumbs.
"Do you know what, I feel that too. You feel like things could so easily be taken away from you. This little girl..." Heather pauses to press her hand against the large bump. "Is our baby girl. Ours. She's not going anywhere. She's all ours. Our perfect girl. We are in this together." Heather says while looking at Naya with a loving grin.
"Thank you, baby. Thank you for always making me feel better. Sorry, that's how we started our Christmas." Naya says looking embarrassed.
"Hey, you. I wouldn't have my Christmas any other way them to wake up and talk to my wife making sure she's feeling good about everything. Giving you that peace of mind is the perfect gift I could receive." Heather says brushing the hair from Nayas face and wiping the remaining wetness from her cheeks.
"Why are you like this?" Naya says with a smile. Heather's love for her amazes even Naya herself. Before Heather, she dated Mark, for like 2 months but still... Oh god, Mark.
"I'm just me baby. I don't know what to tell you. I just love you...hey, where did your mind just go? I saw that look." Heather questioned and looked at Naya encouraging her to talk.
"Mark," Naya says. Heather had filled her in on exactly what happened at Lea's Christmas party and what Mark did. Naya was a mix of shock, hurt, scared, and upset that he acted that way and she was completely unaware.
"I can't believe I ever dated him. To see the way you treat me and compare it with the way he treated me. It's as far as the opposite you can get. The way you were there for me..." Naya said looking down towards her stomach. Heather dips her head down to find Naya's eyes which look almost shameful.
"Sweetheart, he's part of your past. Don't be ashamed of that. We go through what we do for a reason. All of that brings us to the place we are now. I happen to love where we are now. You couldn't get me to go anywhere else if you tried. It's you, me, and our baby girl." Heather assures her wife.
"I just love you so much. Thank you for being my rock. Especially when I'm over-emotional like this." Naya says managing a small chuckle.
"As for Mark, I'm so pissed at him. He has a lot of explaining to do. The fact that he put his hands on you and your belly without you aware makes me both worried and furious." Heather finishes shaking her head. Feeling the rage built up at the thought of his hands on her wife's body.
"I don't know what he was thinking or doing. He didn't hurt me though..." Naya said
"That doesn't matter. Nobody and I mean nobody touches you or our child without your permission. He needs to know he cannot do that. Sober or drunk. I've held my tongue with him but if he touches you or my daughter again all hell with break loose." Heather says nearly shaking with anger.
"Baby..." Heather lifts her head to look at her wife. "Thank you for protecting us. You're our lady knight in shining armor." Naya smiles burning her face in the crook of her neck.
"I will always protect you my loves. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you." Heather assures.
"What time is it?" Naya groans waking up for the second time that morning. After their long chat, they passed out again and managed to get close to an hour of additional sleep.
"9 am," Heather says while slowly rubbing her eyes and sitting up in the bed.
"Noooooo. Do we have to get up?" Naya whined. She was thoroughly enjoying her comfy, cozy bed. Anytime she finally got comfortable nowadays she rarely wanted to leave.
"You certainly don't have to, my love. Our families won't be here for another hour so just relax sweetheart. I'll wake you up after a while or you can just wake up when you wake up. We're not doing anything special just hanging out. You are comfortable. Stay." Heather insisted. Naya looks at her and smiles.
"Are you sure it's ok?" Naya asks
"More than ok. You and our daughter need your rest. Close your eyes, love." Heather says running her hand over Naya's arm smiling as her eyes almost instantly flutter closed. Heather leans down placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "I love you beautiful." She then leans over her belly and whispers. "I love you too my littlest love," Heather says quietly before walking out and closing the bedroom door softly.
Heather had opened the front door about an hour ago for their excited families. The Rivera's arrived shortly after 10 am and Heather's family about 15 minutes later. The Rivera's lived in Valencia which is a suburb of LA so they are very close. The Morris' drove from Scottsdale, AZ so they have to venture a little farther. Heather keeps trying to convince her family to move out here but they just don't know if the LA life is for them.
Once they all arrived, of course, the first thing they wanted to know is where Naya was. Heather explained she was comfortable so is catching some sleep but will most likely be up soon. Since Naya was sleeping, Mychal, Nickayla, and Ashley decided to run to the mall to do some very last-minute holiday shopping. Over the next 30 minutes, they mostly talk about the baby. Which is what they are currently doing.
"Did you two need any help moving furniture this weekend for the nursery? Antonio asked Heather while setting down the LA Times he was currently reading.
"Actually maybe a little help putting together the crib would be extremely helpful. The crew is coming over this week to help us paint and just work on putting her nursery together. The girls will help Naya organize clothes by size and all that stuff. I was going to help the guys paint and set up the larger furniture pieces." Heather says
"You just let us know. Antonio and I can certainly work on the crib Monday since you girls are still off work." Andrew replies taking the section of the newspaper Antonio just finished and glancing through the headlines.
"How's Naya been feeling overall?" Susan asks while Yolanda looks up from her chair that's across from Heather on the couch.
"She's a trooper. Aside from her fainting spell when she was in the hospital with bronchitis, she's been doing so well. I'm so proud of her. She's the strongest woman I know. Of course, she has pains. I massage her feet, back, neck, and whatever else is bothering her every night, but she carries our daughter so beautifully. It's honestly overwhelming the amount of love I'm able to feel for both of them." Heather answers honestly.
Heather's parents are sitting in awe looking up from what they were reading and knitting to look at the woman they raised with complete pride and awe. Yolanda and Antonio were looking at Heather is so much love and compassion. They were so beyond grateful their daughter found someone as incredible as Heather.
"Sweetheart..." Yolanda says wiping tears off her face grabbing a tissue from the coffee table.
Heather was genuinely confused about what just happened. She never realized when she said those kinds of things. She said them so often that it was simply second nature. She doesn't understand that those kinds of declarations and kind words are something a large majority of couples only experience on special occasions.
"Wait, Yolanda, are you crying? What just happened?" Heather said causing a couple of giggles from the parents while both moms have watery eyes.
"Sorry, sweetie. It's just the way you talk about her...we just couldn't have hoped, wished, or prayed for anyone better for our baby girl." Yolanda replied while standing up and motioning for Heather to come to her.
Yolanda pulls Heather into a warm motherly embrace and whispers in her ear. "Thank you Heather for loving and protecting my baby girl. Thank you for respecting her and loving her. You have no idea as a parent what it feels like to see that. We love you, honey." Yolanda says and this time it's Heather who's teary-eyed.
"You never have to thank me for loving your daughter or your granddaughter. They're my whole life. There will never be anything more important in my life than Naya and my children." Heather says as they all sit back down on their previous spots.
"Children?" Susan says with a smirk making Yolanda mirror Susan's expression.
"Seriously. Can we have baby number one first!" Heather says laughing.
Antonio and Andrew shake their heads at their wives' antics and lean back into their own conversation.
Susan, Yolanda, and Heather were in the kitchen about to start working on holiday cookies. They decided they would make Yolanda's famous snickerdoodle cookies that she'd made every Christmas since Naya was an infant. They also decided to make the Morris double chocolate cookies which they've had on Christmas since Heather was little. She had always loved chocolate so they were always her favorite cookies growing up.
"What do you say? Should we start on the snickerdoodle since we have most of the ingredients for those out already from what I can see?" Susan asked while looking at the old handwritten recipe card on the island.
"Sure that sounds good. Do we have enough butter out?" Yolanda asks as Susan double checks if they indeed have enough butter.
"We should do the chocolate ones first," Heather speaks up making both of the older women turn their heads. "My wife should be here when we make the snickerdoodles. They're her special dessert. I wouldn't feel right ab..." heather replies but pauses when she hears a voice she loves so much.
"I'm here baby, but thank you for thinking of me," Naya says as she walks into the kitchen. Heather was near Yolanda who she could tell was internally scolding herself for not thinking about Naya when they were going to make the cookies. She just got caught up in the excitement. Heather pats her back letting her know it's ok. The main thing is they didn't start without her.
Heather turns hearing the sound of her wife and holds her arms out making Naya smile straight away. Naya walks into her arms and lays her head against her chest and a hum escapes her throat as she feels her wife's strong, protective arms encircle around her. She can never explain the safe feeling of being held by Heather.
This was the first time they've seen Naya since they got there since she was sleeping when they arrived. The moms immediately squealed and took turns hugging her before they stepped back admiring the young girl in front of them.
"Oh, honey look at you!" Yolanda says lovingly as she looks and presses against her daughter's stomach.
"She's getting big. I'm running out of room!" Naya replies looking down and smiling. Their daughter mustn't be awake yet, Naya thought.
"Susan, how much bigger does she look since last time?!" Yolanda asked
"Hey now! Never call a woman big!" Naya playfully scolded.
"You're beautiful Naya. She's just really growing fast in there. It's so amazing to see you every time and notice the changes." Susan insists. "Isn't she beautiful Heather?" Susan adds
"She's so perfect I could look at her all day," Heather says before looking down shyly again making the mothers absolutely swoon at Heather's words. Naya glances up at her and walks over to her before turning in her arms so Heather is holding Naya from behind. Heather was leaning against the counter and brought her arms around Naya's front and resting them on her belly as their moms look on.
"Is she up yet?" Heather asked?"
"No. She's being as lazy as I am today apparently. She wouldn't even greet our mothers." Naya replies giggling. Their daughter already had such a fun personality. They could already see pieces of themselves within her. The morning stubbornness clearly is a trait of her mami.
"Baby girl? You didn't greet grandmas? Don't make momma come get you in there..." Heather says gently scolding their daughter tickling Naya's belly making the woman laugh.
"She's a stubborn one. Heather is the only one she'll wake up for. She's like me in the mornings..." Naya responds making the moms laugh.
"Yes dear, and we all know how you are in the mornings.." Yolanda replies making Naya playfully glare back at her. Just as Naya's about to make one of her witty comebacks, Heather starts speaking.
"Good morning again my littlest love," Heather says while releasing her arms around Naya, walking around to her front, and kneeling down. "You know what little girl? Grandma's and your mommies are getting ready to make our famous cookies for you. I already know they will be your favorite. Grandma's will make them for you every year" Heather continues as the moms look on in blissful adoration and Naya's eyes cloud over in tears as they usually do when Heather speaks to their daughter. Naya's playing with Heather's hair as she talks. "Do you think mami will like the presents we got special for her? I really hope so." Heather starts feeling movement under Naya's skin and feels a foot press against her lips right as she was planting a kiss on Naya's belly. "There you are, honey! Good morning! You must have been super tired. Should we have a quick dance party before we bake?" Heather asked and Naya beams back at her wife with all her love. The moms are speechless. They don't think they've ever witnessed such a sweet moment in their life.
"Alright sweetheart. I'll sing and you show your grandma and abuela your dancing?"
Heather starts singing Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree since it's something with a beat they could dance to, well that her daughter could dance to.
Voices singing let's be jolly...
Heather started singing and almost instantaneously the baby started rolling and stretching in Naya's belly. Heather motions for the moms to come over and feel as she continues on singing. Yolanda doesn't think Naya's ever looked so happy then she did at that moment. Susan was beside herself at the sweet moment and adored the relationship her daughter and granddaughter already shared.
The new old-fashioned way...
Heather finishes the song and the baby is rolling around the mom's gasp and laughs when they see the clear outline of a foot protruding from Naya's stomach.
"Good job honey! Grandma and abuela loved it! I'm glad you are not shy about dancing either because it's so much fun! We're going to make cookies for you now. I love you, my baby." Heather finishes and places a kiss on her wife's belly and stands looking down at Naya smiling. "You're so beautiful," Heather says caressing her cheek with the back of her hand.
"Thank you, baby. So are you." Naya winks at heather before turning and noticing the mom's will staring in their direction. "What?" Naya asked curiously?"
"Sorry," Susan says clearing her throat. "that was just..."
"I told you she's the only one our daughter will wake up for in the mornings. The kid is already back to sleep. She always wakes up for her momma though. Dance parties are their favorite." Naya said leaning back against Heather's chest as they were before. All four of their hands were over the belly completely covering the surface.
"Oh my god, these cookies are delicious!" Naya says with a moan as she switches off between the snickerdoodle and chocolate cookies they made.
Just as Susan was about to respond their siblings walked into the room. It was just after 3 pm and they were home from their shopping adventure.
"Ok whatever you made I need to taste test...you know to make sure the rest of you don't die from it.." Ashley announces sniffing the room.
"Too late. I beat you. They're edible and damn delicious..." Naya says shoving another piece of cookie in her mouth.
"Where are the finished ones?" Mychael asks
"In those two containers by the coffee pot." Susan answers.
"These chocolate ones are so good! Nickayla said shoving the last small bite left in her mouth and grabbing the other favor and starting on that.
"Don't be eating only cookies today you animals!" Susan scolds. "Now did you actually get any shopping done?" Susan finishes
"I did. I don't know what the hell those two ended up doing. Probably just shopped for themselves." Mychal said pointing to the younger girls as they stuff their mouths with cookies. Yolanda and Susan shake their heads in sync at their daughters.
It was just after 6 pm and they were all sitting in the living room, Christmas movies were playing in the background on tv. The boys were talking amongst themselves. Nobody knows what those two discuss. Ashley and Nickayla were on the chaise part of the sectional sofa sharing a blanket and scrolling on Instagram.
"Hey, Heather? Will you guys take a photo with us so we can get more followers?" Ashley asks with an insincere pout.
"Seriously? I'm hurt, Ashley." Heather responds feigning hurt bringing her hand over her heart.
"Oh better yet, Naya you haven't even posted a bump shot! Take one with me and I'll post it on my page. That outta work!" Nickayla said as if she just had the best idea of the century.
"You wish. If I find a photo of me or our daughter on your Instagram you are dead." Naya scolded firmly.
"You kids and that Instagram...you know back in my day..." Susan started.
"Mooooom..." Ashley groans
"They'll never get it, Susan." Yolanda shakes her head.
"So Heather when we're you planning to give your gift?" Andrew says with a wink
Heather and Naya are cuddled together on the couch. Heather is massaging Naya's head and belly when she turns to look at her dad. "Tomorrow I'll give one and the other on Tuesday." Tuesday was the day they were going back to work. It was currently Saturday.
Naya looks up from where her head is resting on Heather's shoulder. "Wait...Tuesday? I'm confused..." Naya asks.
"Yep. Tuesday you'll get your gift!" Heather responds with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
"Why Tuesday though? That's random." Naya asked confused but Heather just shrugged.
"Tuesday honey. 3 more sleeps!" Heather reiterates.
"You'll love it!" Andrew tells Naya with a smile.
"Wait you know what it is?" Naya asks surprised
Andrew nods and leans back against the couch. "I sure do."
"Have I mentioned I hate surprises? I like to know everything." Naya groans gaining laughs from around the room.
'Be patient, my love. It will be here faster than you know it. I just hope it's good that's all." Heather says nervously.
"Baby you couldn't get me anything I would dislike. You're always so thoughtful." Naya insisted while leaning up and giving her wife a kiss.
The rest of Christmas Eve was spent gathered around the living room watching all the good old classic Christmas movies. They cuddled on the couch and ended up talking about their plans the next day. Everyone was excited.
December 25th, 2014
Christmas morning came and the morning sun was just peering in between the shades and the glass of the window making the room just a little bit brighter. Of course, Heather was the first one to wake up. It was only 6:30 am but she had been sitting awake for the last ten minutes and the excitement of Christmas made her feel like a child. She slipped on her slippers and padded down the hallway and down the grand staircase heading straight for the kitchen. Heather noticed a light on already and it was a pretty easy guess which two were up already.
Heather's assumptions were correct when she walked slowly into the kitchen and saw both her mom and Yolanda sipping coffee looking at old recipes.
"Oh, yes I'll have to write that one down to on my...oh sweetheart, good morning!" Susan says as she looks up from the recipe cards they were going through.
"Good morning, mom," Heather says before kissing her mother and Yolanda on the cheek and going over to the coffee pot to pour herself some coffee.
"Good morning Heather dear, Merry Christmas sweetheart," Yolanda says as Heather sits down at the table across from the two older women.
"Merry Christmas to both of you as well. How did you sleep? I hope the beds were comfy enough for you both." Heather asked while taking the first sip of her coffee and smiling.
"We both slept like rocks. The beds are very comfy. How did you sleep?" Yolanda asks while taking a bite of her toast.
'Pretty good. Naya woke up around midnight with back pain so I had to give her a massage to help relax her and it was a little trial and error adjusting pillows and blankets to make her comfortable but she did fall back asleep and I didn't see her stir anymore." Heather answered making both older women smile.
"You are so good to her Heather," Yolanda says to her daughter-in-law with a smile.
"She's my greatest gift, well one of them." Heather finishes with a wink.
The three women continue to talk for a few minutes and at 6:45 am Naya walks into the kitchen still looking like she's half asleep. All three women looked shocked to see her up at this hour.
"Honey, are you ok? What are you doing up sweetheart?" Heather asks as Naya walks over to her and sits on her lap.
"She won't stop moving. Every time I try and close my eyes she kicks me so hard in the ribs and..." Naya explains getting teary because she's still so tired and probably also uncomfortable.
"Oh, my love. I'm so sorry." Heather says sinking back into her chair with Naya sitting sideways in her lap. Heather starts massaging Naya's head and motions for her to rest her head on her shoulder which she does right away. Heather then takes her hand and smoothes out Naya's pajama shirt before pressing her hand against her wife's stomach.
"Good morning my little love. What are you doing up sweetheart? Why aren't you letting mami sleep, honey?" Heather speaks to her daughter while continuing to rub her wife's belly feeling the hard kicks. Naya winces out a couple of times as they must have kicked her ribs. Heather hates seeing her wife uncomfortable and immediately knows what to do. "Alright sweetheart, it's time to settle down now ok. Mami is still super tired from her back hurting last night. Get cozy in their little love, put your feet down and momma will sing to you."
Heather begins singing songbird softly to her daughter. Her kicks getting lighter and less frequent. She continues to rub her belly in the way she knows Naya and the baby are comforted. As she sings the last verse to notices the movements are now quiet.
And I love you, I love you, I love you, like never before...
"Good job baby, thank you for going back to sleep, little love. We can wake up soon but not right now, okay? I love you so much." Heather finishes and notices Naya is also barely awake anymore. she holds Naya tighter so she feels secure and puts her other arm around the large bump just cuddling her family.
Susan and Yolanda share a look and their hearts completely melt at the sight before them. Susan grabs her phone and takes a photo. Heather didn't even notice she was too busy with her little family. Susan showed Yolanda right away who placed her hand over her heart and mouthed, send that to me. Yolanda's phone buzzed a few seconds later and the image popped up. She immediately saved it and focused back on Susan and the girls. Susan sent the image to both of their daughters as well.
"They are so beautiful together. It's honestly the sweetest thing I've ever seen." Yolanda says
"Oh I know it, they're simply made for each other.
After a couple of minutes, Heather notices both of her girls are completely out cold once again. She carefully and gently stands with Naya in her arms.
"I'm going to bring her upstairs so she can sleep some more. I'll be right back down." Heather says to her mom and Yolanda as she walks out of the kitchen with Naya in her arms.
Heather makes her way into the bedroom and gently lays Naya back down on the bed pulling the covers over her. She places the boppy pillow around her belly for added support so there's less pressure on Naya's back. When she hears Naya hum contently she knows she must be comfortable. Heather places a kiss on Naya's lips and a kiss on her belly pulling the covers back over her. She exits the room and closes the door softly behind her.
Heather walks back down the stairs into the kitchen. She grabs the coffee cup she was using and dumps it out opting for a fresher cup since her's had gotten cold. She walks over and sits in the chair she was occupying before and looked at her mothers who were scanning through recipes still.
"Are you two trying to figure out what to cook today? What's with all the recipes?" Heather questioned looking at all the handwritten cards and old ripped-out pieces of various notebook paper or other blank pages that had beautiful cursive writing on them. People sure didn't write like that anymore.
"No, we already got the menu for the day planned. We are just going through old family recipes. Hows Naya? You were so sweet with her." Yolanda replies earning a smile from the blonde.
"She's fast asleep and so is that little troublemaker." Heather shook her head and laughed. Those two were going to be a problem in the mornings together. She just knew it.
"That baby definitely has a personality all right. It's pretty obvious who her parents are..." Susan chuckles.
"Heather have you looked at your phone today?" Yolanda asks
"I haven't yet, Why?" Heather replied looking a little confused but reaches out for her phone. When she sees a text from her mother she opens it and a smile instantly graces her face.
"My family," Heather says with tears in her eyes. "Oh my goodness, I didn't even know that you took this! Thank you, mom." Heather says wiping her eyes just staring at the photo. Heather was placing a kiss on her wife's head and Naya's head was laying against her shoulder. Heather's arm was draped cradling around her belly and the other was wrapped around her wife's back. She was basically holding her family in her arms. It was a perfect Christmas memory.
Just after 2 pm, the kids all decided they wanted to go out and play a little football in the park right across the street. Of course, Naya wouldn't play she would sit with Susan and Yolanda. Mychael, Antonio, Andrew, Nickayla, and Ashley were all going to toss the football around. It was about seventy degrees outside so they decided to take advantage of the mild weather.
They are all walking across the street. Heather takes Naya's hand as soon as they exit the house.
"What a gorgeous day!" Susan beams looking at the bright blue sky and her whole family walking to the park on Christmas afternoon. Can't get much better.
"It really turned out to be a lot nicer than I thought. It's not nearly as windy as it was supposed to be." Yolanda replied.
"It's a Christmas miracle, Charlie Brown!" Ashley shouted making everyone laugh.
"Hush up!" Susan replied.
"Are you sure we can't convince you to rough house with us, Nay?" Mychal joked making Heather subconsciously pull her wife closer without even realizing she did it. Naya looks up and smiles because she's pretty sure Heather thinks he's being serious.
"Not happening buddy," Heather says
The three siblings laugh. As soon as they get to the park the six of them walk quickly over to the field off to the side. Heather sets a tote bag down before kissing her wife on the cheek and running over to catch up with the others.
Yolanda, Susan, and Naya are relaxing and talking on the bench watching the entertaining game of what they can only assume is some version of football playing out across the field.
"Ahh damn, it hit my boob!" Nickayla yelled
"Bet that's the first time you heard that call in the NFL, am I right kid?" Andrew snorts a laugh nudging Mychal on the shoulder. He instantly lets out a throaty chuckle.
"I can honestly say that's the first time I've heard that one!" Mychal said still laughing.
"You try getting hit in the boob. Freaking no joke!" Ashley scolded looking at the guys
The three girls on the bench looked on in a fit of laughter.
"Pretty sure getting hit in the balls is worse..." Mychal counters back
"Preach!" Antonio shouts
"Wanna bet?" Ashley yelled
"What does that even mean? What are you going to hit each other in the boobs and balls until you figure out which is more painful? Oh my god, you guys are unbelievable. How about when lucky charms got rid of their rainbow shape? THAT's PAIN!" Heather huffed and joined the other three on the bench who were laughing so hard they were crying.
"I'm still not over that..." Heather started.
"What are you talking about?" Naya asked trying to stop her laughing slash crying
"Who gets rid of the rainbow in lucky charms!" Heather looked at Naya and her moms appalled that they weren't taking her lucky charm crisis more seriously.
"I feel your pain, I do honey," Susan says finally starting to regain her composure along with the others.
About an hour went by and everyone was still tossing the football. No further incidents have occurred. Heather ran over to grab a drink of water and noticed that Naya had her hand on her lower back.
"You alright honey?" Heather asked. Both moms looked over at the girls
"Back is starting to hurt as always. When I get home I'll put my heating pad on it. That always soothes it." Naya assured.
Heather gets up and starts digging in the tote bag she brought. The three women look at her questioningly.
"Heather, what are you going to?" Susan asked.
"I'm getting my wife her heating pad for her back," Heather replied taking out a heating pad.
"Honey we're outside. Those need to be plugged in." Susan said trying to tell Heather easily that it was a nice gesture but it won't work without an outlet to plug it into.
"I know that. It's a battery one. That way she can bring it wherever she needs, even on set." Heather replied proudly
"Are you serious baby?" Naya replied getting teary-eyed. She swears everything Heather did always made her cry. She was so sweet.
"You think I'd let you be uncomfortable without trying to fix it? Nope, not this girl. I went online the other day and bought it." Heather said while walking over the beach and slipping the heating back behind her wife's back on the spot where it was always sore.
"Ahh, yes! Perfect. Baby, thank you! I love you so much!" Naya said wiping a tear from her cheek.
"It's ok sweetheart, don't cry. I know it's the baby hormones and overall yucky feeling. I never want you to be in pain, I hope this helps your back, love. Mom's please watch my girls, ok? Wave me over if you need me, sweetheart. Alright?" Heather says wiping a tear with her thumb and sitting back down.
"What are you doing? I thought you were going back out there?" Yolanda questions.
"I can't leave while she's still upset." Heather shakes her head and pats her shoulder for Naya to lay against. Heather wipes what seems like the last of the tears which she assumed were mainly caused by the aching in her back. She hoped that the heating pad was providing her with some relief.
"How are you feeling, love?" Heather asks soothingly running her fingers down Naya's arm.
"So much better, baby. Thank you so much for this." Naya replied motioning to the heating pad.
"You are more than welcome baby," Heather says while getting up to bring over the tote bag. "There are some snacks and a few different kinds of drinks in there for you if you get a little hungry including those caramel chocolates you keep craving... come get me if you need me again alright?" Heather said waiting for Naya to answer.
"Are you trying to make me cry again, baby? Why are you so sweet to me?" Naya asks overwhelmed at Heather's constant gestures.
"You're carrying my child, Naya. You're the love of my life, my soulmate. Of course I'm going to take care of you. When you hurt I hurt with you...Mom, Yolanda, please watch my girls ok?" Heather asks her mother in law.
Yolanda nods lovingly. She simply adored Heather. "Absolutely. You go have fun. We'll watch them."
Heather nods before kissing her wife and running to the field where everyone's yelling for her because the teams were uneven.
"She's the sweetest girl. Susan whatever you did with her, bravo!" Yolanda praised.
Susan smiled but shook her head. "Honestly that's all Heather. She was just born with a heart of gold. However, this kind of love, yea that's something she only shares with Naya." Susan replies.
Naya was looking curiously at the tote bag before just deciding to open it. She smiles taking out her favorite drinks and finds a few snacks which are her usual cravings. Of course Heather had cut off various fruits and put them in a container with a fork. She also placed little notes in the bag that looked like ripped of pieces of notebook paper. She started picking them up and reading them.
Because you and my baby girl are my greatest gift...
The way you scrunch face when you smile showing your beautiful dimples...
How you carry my baby girl with such beauty and grace...
One sweet note after another she pulled out. Just a bunch of little things heather loved about her. Of course Naya started tearing up again. She couldn't even blame it on the damn hormones this time.
"Sweetheart. What's wrong? Do I need to get Heather?" Yolanda asked seeing her daughter in laws tears and growing concerned. Susan immediately glances over. Heather just happens to glance at the ladies on the bench and sees the moms trying to what looks like comfort her wife.
"Guys it's almost three. My wife is exhausted and needs to rest her back before dinner, presents and all that commotion..." Heather says towards the group playing football. They all nod knowing they got nearly two hours of playtime in.
Heather jogs over. "Alright we're going home now. Honey your exhausted. Heather turns off the heating pad and throws it in the tote bag. She sees Naya sniffling and can see how her head is bobbing slightly which means she's really tired.
"Sorry I feel like I'm a mess." Naya chokes out seemingly embarrassed that everyone's fussing over her.
"You are absolutely not, love. Your carrying a child Naya. Your body is tired and working for two. Let's get you home and you can take a nap before dinner and presents." Heather said leaving no room for Naya to tell her otherwise.
Naya starts to stand but is quickly lifted into her wife's arms. The safest place she knows.
"Jesus, Morris your strong." Mychal says in disbelief.
"Oh I know" Ashley said mockingly.
"Sorry wrong Morris, Ash." Mychal clarified with a laugh.
"I'm offended." Ashley says emotionless
"Seriously Hemo. How the hell do you just pick her up like that? Are you good to carry her the whole way? I don't want you to drop her. I can grab her if you need." Mychal said concerned but amazed by Heathers strength.
"I do workout and do strength training, yes but she's also petite and light. My little Polly pocket." Heather said with a smile kissing Naya's head.
They walk into the house. Heather immediately taking Naya upstairs to the bedroom. She bends over and places her pregnant wife on the bed. She turns the heating pad on low and it on her back and supports Naya's belly by placing a blanket under and around it so lift some of the weight for Naya. Naya hums contently seeming to feel the relief and start to relax.
Just as heather is about to walk out she hears Naya whisper just loud enough for her to hear...
"I saw the notes..." Naya said a smile on her face and her eyes shut. Heather walks back over and smiles realizing what Naya is talking about. Heather leans down placing a kiss on her forehead.
"I mean every world." Heather whispers
"I know you do baby. I love you so much. Thank you for everything." Naya responds.
"You know what baby... do you mind if I lay with you? I could use a good nap" heather asked.
"Hmmm please." Naya says.
As soon as Heather lays down, Naya immediately cuddles into her. Heather responds by holding her wife securely.
"I've got you honey, go to sleep. I won't leave you." Heather says before they both succumb to sleep.
"There you two are!" Andrew says happily as he sees his daughter and Naya coming down the stairs. It had been a nearly couple hours since they fell asleep and it was now 5:00pm and they could already smell the delicious food throughout the main level. Heather kept a hold on Naya's hand while she walked down the stairs making sure she doesn't miss a step.
"Hi dad. You look like you just got up too." Heather days amused looking in her dads direction.
"I may have fell asleep on the couch..." Andrew confesses.
Heather shakes her head and they enter the kitchen to see all four girls busying themselves on dinner.
"Sorry we slept a little longer then we intended you guys." Heather said as the entered the kitchen and pulled out a chair for her wife to sit down. Heather helps lower her into the chair and steps behind the gently massage her neck and back as she sits.
"No worries, girls. We have a lot of help. Well, we did have to kick the guys out for doing too much taste testing and not enough assisting..." Susan says with a shrug making the girls giggle.
"You two well rested?" Antonio said.
"Yes. It felt so nice. We both needed that." Naya replied.
Christmas Dinner was served an hour later and everyone's mouths were watering at all the delicious food infront of them.
"Oh my gosh, this is incredible!" Naya said with a smile making the others giggle.
"I can't believe we will have an 8 month old with us next Christmas! That's crazy!" Ashley said as she takes a bite of ham off her plate
"Right! Oh my gosh she's going to be so cute!" Nickayla replied with a sweat as she thinks about her niece and how different future holidays would look like.
"That sweet girl will be the perfect addition to our family." Susan says as shes taking a sip of her red wine.
"I think it's safe to say she'll be one spoiled little girl." Andrew said as we too picked up his wine glass swirling it around before taking a swig.
"You think! Uncle Mychal... wow that still sounds surreal.
"You'll be so special to her little brother. She'll adore you." Naya smiled back at him as heather squeezed her knee under the table. Heather grabbed Naya's hand hand lifting it to her moth and placing a sweet kiss on her knuckles. The family glances at the girls and smile that the couple.
"Presents!" Ashley shouts practically running to the living room.
The tree was surrounded by presents both big and small. They all approached the tree and sat down in a circle on the floor as they got ready to open gifts.
Heather lowers herself to the floor so her back is up against the couch for support. She reaches behind her and grabs the pillow in the corner and sets it on the floor between her legs and motions for her wife to join her.
Naya smiles and carefully lowers her petite frame to the floor. Heather grabbing both sides of her hips to brace her making sure she doesn't lose her balance. As soon as Naya makes contact with the pillow she lets out a small grunt and leans back against her wife taking a deep breath.
"Are you comfortable, sweetheart?" Heather asks gathering nayas hair as if she's going to put it in a ponytail but lets the hair go once again and starts running her fingers lightly up and down her arms.
"As comfortable as I can be." Naya replies smiling back at her wife.
"Alright Ashley, grab the first one and hand it out." Yolanda says with an eager smile
About 20 minutes later they all had a a pile of freshly opened gifts infront of each person, everyone giddy with excitement at their new treasures. Even the baby had her own pile going beside her mothers. Everything from bibs, clothes, books, and various baby items were gifted.
"Alright girls this one is from me and Yolanda." Susan says while reaching across the circle and handing the gift to Heather which she then hands to Naya.
"You two are spoiling her!" Naya says with a smile shaking her head.
"Of course we are. Duh!" Yolanda says
"Let's see what it is, beautiful." Heather encourages tapping on the rectangle gift
Naya starts gently tearing at the paper until she takes off the last piece revealing a thin brown cardboard box. Once they open the box Naya reaches in and lifts out what appears to be a quilt.
Heather sets the box to the side once Naya lefts out the contents and tosses it behind her with all the other empty boxes. She turns her attention back to her wife as she unfolds what is indeed a small quilt.
"Susan and I have been getting together a few weekends the past few months to work on this. We found boxes of both of your old baby clothes in the attic and basement so we decided to go through them one weekend. We then decided to make this baby quilt with your various onesies and old clothes we both kept." Yolanda explains.
"We both realized we kept a lot and all they were doing is sitting in boxes so we found a much more useful and meaningful way to use them." Susan adds watching the girls unfold the baby quilt and look in awe. Both with tears in their eyes as their fingers trace the different squares of the quilt.
"Wow. This is..." Naya starts but gets choked up. Heather leans forward slightly to place a kiss on her wife's shoulder as she continues to caress the blanket.
"You both are amazing! I didn't know you both were secretly hanging out!" Heather smiles playfully at the older women who smile back.
"Well we both just started talking on the phone one day shortly after the gender reveal party and we got into a conversation about all the stuff we've saved from your childhoods. Instead of having all these sweet clothes stuffed in boxes that haven't been touched since you've worn them, we figured we'd spend a few weekends making better use of them. This is what we came up with. Baby girl will always be surrounded by her mommies." Susan says to the girls who were wiping fresh tears from their cheeks while continuing to look at the blanket.
Naya brings the blanket up to her chest and scrunches it tight lifting the soft fabric up to her nose. It smells so familiar, so comforting. She new at that moment it would be her daughter's favorite which made her smile.
Heather shakes her head and smiles at the thoughtfulness from her mothers and mouths a thank you to both of them while leaning over and placing a tender kiss on her wife's temple.
"Alright sweetheart, remember your gift from me you'll get on Tuesday but here's one that will hopefully tide you over in the meantime. Even though the gift wasn't for the rest of them, everyone glances over at the couple waiting to see what Heather got Naya. Heather never just threw jewelry at her wife because it was the easy thing to get a woman, she always gave everyone, especially her wife, extra thoughtful gifts.
"Baby..." Naya started but was cut off my heathers lips on her own.
"Open it, my love." Heather urged with a smile.
Naya slowly takes off the gold wrapping paper that surrounds a thin rectangular box which couldn't be more than six inches long and 5 inches wide. Everyone looked on curiously as she opened the lid revealing a rose gold heart necklace which also appears to be a locket of some sort.
"Oh, Heather! It's beautiful. You know how much I love rose gold..." Naya continues staring at the necklace slowely removing it from the cushioned holder it rested against.
Naya held up the necklace for her family to see gaining awes and everyone saying how beautiful it was.
"Open it." Heather urged eagerly nodding down to the necklace in Naya's hands.
"It opens?" Naya asks confused but looks down and finds the tiny tab to be able to open the locket. She gasps when she sees the photo of the most recent ultrasound image of their daughter sized down to fit inside the dainty necklace.
"Now you can always have your baby girl close to your heart even when she's no longer inside of you." Heather says while looking at her wife who has tears streaming down her face
"Heather it's beautiful! Well done sister!" Ashley says
"Really. We shouldn't be surprised, you nail it every time Hemo." Mychal says patting his sister in law on the shoulder in which she sends a thankful smile his direction.
"What's this?" Naya asked pointing to a tiny knob which looks like a little button of some kind on the side opposite the photo of their baby.
Everyone looks on, curiosity getting the best of them once again. Naya looks up at her wife who gives her a subtle nod to go ahead and press the mini button.
Naya complies pressing her index finger over the rose gold button and hearing the all to familiar beat that echoed throughout the circle of family.
"Oh my god! How did you... what in the world? How is this possible!" Naya chokes out staring at the necklace and the image of her baby girl while the familiar sound of her heartbeat plays throughout the room.
Heather kisses the side of Naya's teary face before her gaze meets everyone else's. Their dads look on in pride, their sisters are coping talking amongst themselves how the gift is the cutest thing ever. Their moms are crying of course both with their hand over their heart in complete admiration at the thoughtfulness behind the gift.
"It's our baby...but how?..." Naya stammers the tears now flowing down her eyes. Heather turns Naya sideways in her arms and lifts her chin so they could look at eachother.
"I see your face every time we hear the heartbeat of our little girl. The calm that comes over you at the soothing sound, love. I want you to be able to have that comfort anytime you need. So I asked Dr. Laine for a dvd of the recording of her heartbeat and found a jeweler who creates these types of custom necklaces." Heather says continuing to wipe her wife's cheeks with the pad of her thumb.
"Heather that's beyond thoughtful and sweet of you. I've never seen or heard anything like that before. I had no idea that was even something that could be made. What a beautiful idea." Yolanda praised with a warm smile towards the girls.
"Nailed it, Hemo!" Nickayla said
"You really did." Ashley said sincerely
Andrew leans over and grabs his daughters shoulder as she glances over at him sending a smile his direction. He mouths the words "I'm so proud of you." And she mouths back "thank you daddy."
Heather turns back to her emotional wife and grabs the necklace undoing the clasp and bringing her hands around her wife's neck blindly reconnecting the clasp behind her neck and letting the necklace go letting it fall just above her chest. Naya looks down at the new piece of jewelry and smiles back at her wife.
"Best gift ever. There's something that's supposed to top this on Tuesday?" Naya asks wondering how in the world something could be better than this.
"I sure hope so. Merry Christmas my loves." Heather says placing a kiss on her wife's lips and then looking down to rub circles on her wife's belly. "Merry Christmas my little love." Heather finishes before cuddling her wife close as the others watch on with loving grins.
Their last Christmas before they were joined with their daughter was everything Naya could have hoped for. She's so lucky.
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