Jackson is in bed reading a book and a pregnant April climbs into bed. Without looking, Jackson raises his arm so that she can crawl under and snuggle.
9.30 PM. They go to bed early now, because she's exhausted and he likes to keep her company.
He's reading a book he found on her nightstand a couple weeks ago. You and Your Bump. It's silly, but he doesn't mind. Sure, he doesn't have a baby bump. And no, the baby isn't even growing inside of him. But he likes to be informed, to know everything and be aware of the changes in his wife's body. And now that April is entering her third trimester, he's reading the Preparing for Labor chapter countless times, reassuring himself about the process they'll be experiencing soon, both mentally, medically and physically.
He's been reading a lot these days. Not just some random book or medical magazines like he used to. He reads baby books of every author and of every kind. And now he knows all about breathing, the best yoga positions, the best recipes for a healthy mama and baby, and even about breast feeding and pregnancy recovery. April's pregnancy has been an emotional roller-coaster for the both of them and he thinks that being prepared now will help with whatever life throws at them. But April's fine, their baby girl is strong and healthy, growing peacefully and life is good right now.
But despite what happened previously, raising a baby is definitely something new and even though he is ready this time, he's as clueless as before. So, every night, he lies in bed, waiting for her as she gets ready in the bathroom, to read a few more pages. He loves it, though. He loves reading about the baby's growth, its development and the changes ahead. He loves to be informed, even if it turns him into one of those dads, constantly looking after the baby, worried about it. But he's set on being Super Dad, encouraging and comforting his wife throughout every stage of her pregnancy and beyond.
April turns the bathroom light off, and he hears her footsteps on the bedroom hardwood floors. He doesn't move his eyes from the book, though, but he can feel her grin when she sees him reading again.
Climbing in bed, she pulls down the covers, adjusting her bigger frame to the space next to him. He mindlessly opens his arm to her, letting her rest her head on his chest as he keeps the book open, right above his eyes. In silence, she places on hand on his stomach, and closes her own eyes. It's something so easy, so natural and she fits in with him so well. He keeps one hand open across her shoulder, slowly moving his fingers to caress the fabric of her pajama top, and she snuggles into him, comfortably.
"Goodnight." She says, falling fast asleep, never minding the dim light on his nightstand still being on.
"Goodnight, babe." Jackson smiles, placing one kiss on the top of her head, loving these sweet little moments before going to sleep that make him feel complete.