WARNING TO ALL STORY READERS WHO READ THIS STORY!
️THE NEXT FEW CHAPTERS AFTER A COUPLE OF THESE CHAPTERS WILL CONTAIN HEAVY AND UPSETTING TOPIC. IF SOME OF THESE TOPICS TRIGGER YOU PLEASE SKIP THE CHAPTERS. I WILL PUT TRIGGER WARNINGS IN EVERY AND EACH CHAPTER IF NEEDED ️
️AGAIN HEAVY TOPIC IS HEAVY; THE HEAVY TOPIC WILL BE WHEN LILY GRACE IS OLDER,
The next morning, the apartment was filled with the soft light of dawn. The unit was already up, quietly preparing breakfast and taking care of Lily Grace. The atmosphere was calm and supportive, everyone working together seamlessly.
As they gathered in the living room, the bedroom door opened, and Nadia and Jay walked out. Jay looked much better, though still a bit tired, and Nadia had a radiant smile on her face. In her hand, she held a sonogram picture.
The unit immediately noticed the sonogram and exchanged curious glances. Kevin was the first to speak, his voice filled with excitement. "Is that what I think it is?"
Nadia nodded, her smile widening. "Yes, it is," she said, holding up the sonogram for everyone to see. "We're having another baby."
The room erupted in cheers and congratulations. Erin rushed over to give Nadia a hug, her eyes sparkling with joy. "That's amazing news! Congratulations!"
Adam clapped Jay on the back, grinning from ear to ear. "Looks like Lily Grace is going to be a big sister," he said warmly.
Will joined in, his laughter infectious. "I guess we were right about you two making another baby," he joked, earning a playful nudge from Jay.
Lily Grace, sensing the excitement, toddled over to her parents. "What's that, Mama?" she asked, pointing at the sonogram.
Nadia knelt down, showing Lily Grace the picture. "This is your little brother or sister," she explained gently. "They're growing in Mama's tummy."
Lily Grace's eyes widened with wonder. "A baby?" she asked, her voice filled with awe.
Jay nodded, lifting Lily Grace into his arms. "That's right, sweetheart. You're going to be a big sister," he said, his voice filled with pride.
The unit gathered around, their hearts filled with joy and excitement for the growing family.
That evening, the unit gathered around the dining table, enjoying a delicious dinner together. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter as they celebrated the news of Nadia and Jay's growing family.
Lily Grace, sitting between her parents, was happily munching on her food. She looked up at Nadia with wide, curious eyes. "Mama, you know the wittle baby?" she asked, her voice filled with innocence.
Nadia smiled and nodded. "Yes, sweetheart. The little baby is growing in Mama's tummy," she said gently.
Lily Grace nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "What do you and Dada do in the bedroom?"
The room fell silent for a moment, and the unit exchanged amused glances, trying to stifle their laughter. Nadia blushed, caught off guard by the question. She glanced at Jay, who was also trying to hide a smile.
Nadia took a deep breath and smiled at Lily Grace. "Well, sweetheart, Mama and Dada spend time together, talking and resting," she explained, keeping her tone light and simple.
Lily Grace frowned, clearly not satisfied with the answer. "But why do you need to be in the bedroom to talk and rest?" she asked, her voice filled with innocent curiosity.
Kevin, unable to resist, chimed in with a grin. "Sometimes grown-ups need a quiet place to relax," he said, trying to help.
Erin nodded, giving Lily Grace a reassuring hug. "That's right. It's like when you have quiet time with your toys," she added gently.
Lily Grace still looked puzzled but seemed to accept the explanation for now. "Okay," she said slowly, her curiosity not entirely appeased.
The rest of the unit shared a laugh, their bond evident in the easy camaraderie they shared.
Later that evening, the unit gathered in the living room to watch a movie together. The atmosphere was relaxed, with everyone enjoying the chance to unwind. Jay sat on the couch, his shoulders visibly tense despite the lighthearted mood.
Nadia, sitting beside him, noticed the tension in his shoulders. She gently placed her hand on his back, rubbing soothing circles. "Jay, are you okay?" she asked softly, her voice filled with concern.
Jay tried to smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, though his voice lacked conviction.
Nadia frowned, not convinced. "You don't seem fine. What's going on?" she pressed gently.
At her words, Jay's facade crumbled. He took a shaky breath, and then broke into heavy, tired sobs. Nadia immediately wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. "Put your head down on your knees," she whispered softly.
Jay did as she suggested, his body shaking with sobs. Nadia began to massage his shoulders and neck, her touch gentle and soothing. "It's okay, Jay. Let it out," she murmured, her voice filled with love and support.
Just then, Lily Grace toddled into the room, holding a piece of candy. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Jay crying, her eyes wide with concern. The candy slipped from her hand and fell to the floor.
"Dada?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Adam immediately got up and walked over to her, scooping her into his arms. "It's okay, Lily Grace. Dada's just a little sad right now," he explained gently, trying to comfort her.
Lily Grace looked at Adam, her eyes filled with worry. "Why is Dada sad?" she asked, her voice small.
Adam hugged her tightly, giving her a reassuring smile. "Sometimes grown-ups get sad too, but Mama is helping him feel better," he said softly.
The rest of the unit watched with heavy hearts, their concern for Jay evident. Kevin, Erin, and Will all exchanged glances, their expressions filled with empathy and support.
Kevin was the first to speak, his voice gentle. "Jay, it's okay to feel overwhelmed. We're here for you," he said reassuringly.
Erin nodded, her eyes filled with compassion. "You've been through a lot, Jay. It's okay to lean on us," she added softly.
Will stepped forward, his expression serious but supportive. "We're here for you, man. Whatever you need," he said firmly.
Jay looked around at his friends, his eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you all."
Nadia continued to massage his shoulders, her heart aching for him. "We're in this together, Jay. Always," she said softly.
The unit gathered around, their presence a comforting reminder of the strong bond they all shared.
As the evening wore on, it became clear that it was past Lily Grace's bedtime. Erin, noticing how late it was, gently approached her. "Come on, Lily Grace, it's time for bed," she said softly, reaching out to take her hand.
Lily Grace shook her head, her eyes wide with determination. "I don't wanna leave Mama and Dada," she said, her voice firm.
Nadia, seeing the reluctance in her daughter's eyes, nodded understandingly. "It's okay, Erin," she said softly. She then leaned down to Lily Grace and whispered, "Me and Dada are going to have some wine and talk to the guys for a bit, and then we'll come tuck you in, okay?"
Lily Grace looked up at her mother, her expression softening. "Promise?" she asked, her voice small.
Nadia smiled and nodded. "Promise," she said, giving her a gentle hug.
Erin smiled warmly, understanding the situation. "Alright, sweetheart. Let's get you ready for bed, and Mama and Dada will be in soon," she said, taking Lily Grace's hand.
Lily Grace reluctantly agreed, allowing Erin to lead her to her room. The rest of the unit watched with smiles, their hearts warmed by the tender moment.
Once Lily Grace was settled, Nadia and Jay returned to the living room, where the rest of the unit was waiting. Jay looked much more relaxed, though still a bit tired. Nadia poured them each a glass of wine, and they all sat down together.
"Thanks for being here, everyone," Jay said, his voice filled with gratitude. "It means a lot."
Kevin raised his glass in a toast. "To family and friends," he said warmly.
The rest of the unit echoed the sentiment, raising their glasses. "To family and friends," they repeated, their voices filled with love and solidarity.
As they sipped their wine and talked, the apartment was filled with a sense of peace and camaraderie. Despite the challenges they had faced, their bond remained strong, and they knew that together, they could overcome anything.