Chapter Eight
It was the night of John and Anna's wedding anniversary, and the day had gone smashingly. They started off the morning playing with Simon. He was beginning to babble and giggle as they played with him, especially when his daddy made silly faces. After a brunch at home, Mary had come over to watch Simon so they could go out to a movie together.
They enjoyed their time out watching the movie, running a few errands, and going out to dinner before heading home for some more cuddles with their son. Now, Simon was fast asleep in the other room, and Anna and John lay cuddled in bed reflecting on their day and the milestones it represented.
"I'm so grateful for you, John," Anna said as she ran her fingers through the hairs on his chest.
"And I'm grateful for you," he echoed that sentiment. "You have been here for me every step of the way throughout our marriage. These seven years have been hard for both of us, but we've stuck by each other."
"We certainly have. You have stuck by me in some of the lowest points of my life and gotten me out of the darkest moments in my head. I couldn't have asked for anyone better to do that for me," she said before leaning up to give him a kiss which expressed her most sincere gratitude for his presence and her love of it. Their tongues intertwined and their hands reached for each other's hair, running their fingers through their locks.
"Did you realize this is our first anniversary as parents?" Anna asked in a hushed voice when they had recovered from their kissing.
"Anna, we've always been parents, for the entirety of our marriage," John reminded her. They had had a small registry office ceremony four months after losing James. It was not the big wedding he and Anna had originally dreamed of, but it was right for them, especially after experiencing such devastating loss. "It's just now we have a baby who is here with us on Earth, but James is always with us in our hearts."
"You're certainly right about that," Anna said as a few stray tears fell down her face while she remembered James, feeling her heart tug at the reminder of their loss.
John gently wiped them away and pressed light kisses onto her cheeks and forehead. His heart broke at seeing his wife so upset, though he himself was still upset when he thought about his son who wasn't with them. "I miss him too," he whispered soothingly as he wrapped his arms around her and held her close to his chest.
"I'm so glad you're here," she murmured into his chest. "Thank you for holding me these past seven years."
"I love you," he said, pressing a kiss to her crown. "I love you."
"I love you, too," she said, looking at him with a soft smile. "Happy anniversary, my love."
"Happy anniversary," he said with a final peck to her lips, cementing their love and support for one another before they drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.
A/N: A bit of a bittersweet Banna moment to end on, but I'm quite proud of it. I hope you guys have enjoyed this story, and I would appreciate a review to let me know if you did. There is still an epilogue to look forward to in the coming days, so stick around. Thank you for reading!