Brett closed the trunk with a satisfying click, placing the final bag into the car. He stood back momentarily, hands on his hips, admiring his packing skills. Every corner of the car trunk was efficiently filled with suitcases, snacks, pillows, and a bag full of pregnancy essentials that Santana had meticulously prepared. The drive to the Florida Keys wasn't one Brett would've chosen for a relaxing getaway, but it was the first trip they'd taken since Santana got pregnant, and they both needed it.
Turning toward the house, he saw Santana emerge from the front door. Her swollen belly led the way as she shoved a handful of Cheetos into her mouth, crumbs falling onto her shirt. "Are you ready?" Brett asked with a grin, watching her juggle the snack bag and her purse.
Santana gave him a thumbs-up with her free hand, still chewing. "As ready as I'll ever be," she mumbled through a mouthful of cheesy goodness. "But listen, Brett—" she pointed at him with a Cheeto. "When I tell you I need a pee break, you better stop. I'm not messing around."
Brett chuckled as he climbed into the driver's seat. "Got it. Pee breaks on command. Noted." He slid the key into the ignition and glanced over at her as she settled into the passenger seat, already adjusting her seatbelt to make room for her growing belly.
"So," Brett said, breaking the silence as they cruised along the highway, "what's the first thing you wanna do when we get there?" Santana leaned her head back against the seat, thoughtfully chewing another Cheeto. "Honestly? Sleep." She laughed softly. "I've been so tired lately. This baby is already wearing me out."
Brett reached over, resting his hand on her knee. "You're doing great, you know that? Growing a human and everything." His voice was full of admiration, and even though he kept his eyes on the road, the sincerity was clear.
Santana smiled, feeling a familiar warmth in her chest. Brett had been her rock throughout the pregnancy, always there to hold her hand, listen to her late-night worries, and rub her feet when they got too swollen to fit into her shoes. She appreciated how he didn't just say the right things—he meant them.
The scenery outside began to shift as they left the city behind, giving way to the wide-open skies and stretches of blue-green ocean. The highway led them toward the tropical beauty of Key Largo, the destination that promised a brief escape from the grind of doctor's appointments, baby preparations, and work stresses. For the first time in months, they were prioritizing relaxation—and, more importantly, time together.
About thirty minutes into the drive, Santana shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Brett noticed her moving and glanced over. "You okay?" She sighed, rubbing her belly. "I'm fine. Just… yeah, I gotta pee." Brett smiled, already slowing the car down as he approached the next exit. "No problem. Pee break it is."
They found a small gas station just off the highway, Santana went inside while Brett filled up the tank. She returned a few minutes later, looking much more relieved. "I don't know why I thought this baby would let me sit through an entire car ride without a bathroom stop" she joked, getting back into the passenger seat. "Thanks for stopping."
"No problem," Brett replied, giving her a quick kiss before pulling back onto the highway. "I figured we'd have a few more of these stops along the way." Santana laughed softly, reaching over to rest her hand on his arm. "You're a good man, Brett Pierce."
The drive continued, the sun casting a golden glow across the ocean as they neared their destination. Brett had turned on some music, and the soft sounds of a guitar strumming filled the car, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Santana had long since abandoned her Cheetos and was now reclining in her seat, eyes half-closed as she let the hum of the car and the music lull her into a state of semi-relaxation.
As the road stretched out in front of them, Brett couldn't help but steal glances at Santana. Even with her exhaustion, even with the discomfort of pregnancy, she still looked radiant to him. Her skin had a certain glow, her eyes still sparkled, and he loved the way she absentmindedly rubbed her belly, as if soothing both herself and the baby at the same time He felt a surge of emotion—gratitude, love, maybe a bit of nervous excitement about the future. They were only a few months away from becoming parents, and the reality of it was starting to settle in more and more each day.
"We're almost there," Brett said, breaking the comfortable silence as they approached the final stretch of road leading into Key Largo. Santana opened her eyes and sat up a little straighter, peering out the window as palm trees and bright, tropical flowers lined the road. "It's so pretty," she murmured, smiling at the sight of the island town.
After checking in at the front desk, Brett and Santana were met by a cheerful resort staff member, a middle-aged man with a deep tan and a wide smile, who introduced himself as Carlos. He eagerly offered to give them a tour of the resort, mentioning how guests loved to get the full experience before settling into their bungalows.
Carlos gestured to a golf cart parked nearby, "Hop on, folks! I'll show you around the place. You're gonna love it here." Brett helped Santana climb into the back seat of the cart. Once they were settled, Carlos set off, driving slowly through the beautifully landscaped paths of the resort. Palm trees swayed gently in the tropical breeze, and the sound of the ocean waves in the distance provided a soothing backdrop. The resort was lush with greenery, bright tropical flowers spilling out of planters, and little footpaths winding through the landscape, leading to private bungalows like the one they would be staying in.
"As you can see," Carlos said, gesturing with one hand as he drove, "we've got several spots to relax and unwind. Over there," he pointed to the right, "is the spa. If you're interested, we offer prenatal massages, yoga classes, and facials, too."
Santana perked up at the mention of prenatal massages, already imagining the relief a professional massage could bring to her aching back and swollen feet. She made a mental note to check it out later, especially after hearing Brett murmur beside her, "I think that's something we should book for you, babe."
They continued past the spa and a pristine pool area. Couples were lounging on sunbeds as Carlos turned the cart down a narrow path lined with trees that opened up to reveal the beach. The shoreline stretched out in both directions, endless and inviting, with the blue-green water shimmering under the afternoon sun. A few hammocks swayed lazily between the palm trees, and Santana sighed contentedly at the sight.
"Here's the private beach area," Carlos announced. "You've got access to paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear. Or, if you just want to lay out on the sand and enjoy the view, we've got plenty of spots for that too." Brett glanced at Santana with a grin. "Not sure if paddleboarding's in the cards for you right now," he teased, lightly tapping her belly. Santana rolled her eyes playfully. "I think lounging is more my speed at this point."
After a few more minutes of driving, Carlos finally brought them to their private waterfront bungalow. Nestled at the far end of the resort, it was secluded and surrounded by tropical foliage. The water beyond shimmered in the soft afternoon light, and a small deck extended out toward the sea, offering a view straight into the horizon. Brett whistled under his breath, impressed. Santana's eyes widened, taking in the picturesque setting.
"This is fancy," Santana said as they stepped out of the cart, gazing around the exterior of the bungalow. "I feel like we've walked into a postcard." Carlos helped with their bags, leading them to the front door before giving a brief nod and saying, "If you need anything, just call the front desk. Enjoy your stay, folks!" He gave them a friendly wave before driving off, leaving them alone in the tropical serenity.
As soon as they stepped inside, Santana couldn't help but let out a low whistle. The interior was stunning—bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed light to pour in, giving them an uninterrupted view of the ocean. The decor was elegant but relaxed, with plush furniture in muted tones and soft accents of coral and seafoam green. There was a spacious seating area and a luxurious king-sized bed draped in crisp white linens that looked beyond inviting.
"If I wasn't six months pregnant," Santana said with a laugh, her eyes glued to the bed, "I'd be jumping on that bed right now." Brett raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, I'm not pregnant." Before Santana could react, he sprinted across the room and flung himself onto the bed, landing with a dramatic bounce. The mattress gave way under him as he lay spread-eagled, looking utterly pleased with himself. Santana burst out laughing, "You're ridiculous."
Brett propped himself up on his elbows, grinning. "I do what I can. Plus, I'm testing it out for you. This bed? It's top-tier." He patted the spot next to him. "Come try it out." Santana walked over, sitting carefully on the edge of the bed, her hands instinctively supporting her lower back. "It does feel nice," she admitted, sinking into the softness. "We might not leave the room at all."
"Who needs to?" Brett said, his voice muffled as he flopped back down again. "We've got everything we need right here."
They spent a few more minutes enjoying the bed before curiosity got the better of them. Santana stood up, pulling Brett with her as they went to explore the rest of the bungalow. They found a spacious outdoor area with a luxurious soaking tub, perfect for long, relaxing baths, and a completely private outdoor shower, tucked away behind bamboo walls with an open view of the sky.
"This is unreal," Santana marveled as they stepped outside to where the tub and shower were located. "I feel like we're in one of those travel magazines. I could live here." Brett laughed, slipping an arm around her waist. "I could get used to this too. It's a nice change from the city."
The outdoor soaking tub was inviting, its pristine surface gleaming under the sunlight. Santana ran her fingers along the edge, imagining how incredible it would feel to sink into the warm water later, "This is going to be our go-to spot," Brett declared, already picturing evenings spent in the tub with the sound of the ocean as their background music. Santana nodded in agreement. "If we can fit," she teased, pointing to her belly. "I'm pretty sure this bump's going to take up half the space."
They both laughed, the reality of their growing family sinking in once again. Brett wrapped his arms around Santana from behind, resting his hands on her baby bump as they stood there in the peaceful quiet of their bungalow. "I can't wait to see you relaxing in that tub, naked" he whispered into her ear. Santana smiled, leaning back into him. "I can't wait either. This place is exactly what we needed." They stood there for a while, soaking in the tranquility, knowing that their little escape in paradise was just beginning.
After unpacking their bags and organizing the essentials, Santana and Brett found themselves settling onto their private porch, the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore creating a soothing melody in the background. "This is perfect," she sighed contentedly, closing her eyes for a moment to fully absorb the tranquility.
Brett, sitting next to her with his feet propped up on the railing, smiled as he watched her. "I think we've earned this," he said, his voice low, though the joy was unmistakable. Santana smiled back, opening her eyes and looking out at the water. "We really have. I still can't believe we're here," she murmured. "It feels like a dream."
"I'm just glad we can have this little getaway before everything changes," Brett said, his thumb rubbing small circles on the back of her hand. "Before the baby comes, before the sleepless nights." Santana chuckled softly. "Don't remind me. But for now," she added, squeezing his hand back, "I'm just enjoying this. All of it."
After a few more moments of soaking in the peaceful view, Brett turned to her with a grin. "You know what I'm feeling?" Santana raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Mexican food."
Her eyes lit up, immediately drawn by the idea. "Oh my God, yes!" she exclaimed, standing up slowly, "Let's get ready then. I'm suddenly starving."
The two of them headed inside, the serene atmosphere of their bungalow calming but also energizing in a way. Santana shuffled over to her suitcase, pulling out a flowing, emerald green maxi dress that had become her go-to for dinners out now that she was six months along. As she stood in front of the mirror, Brett caught her reflection and smiled. She looked radiant—her pregnancy glow undeniable as the dress clung to her form in all the right places.
"You look amazing" he said, stepping up behind her and resting his hands on her belly. "Glowing, even."
"Flattery will get you everywhere," Santana replied with a smirk, smoothing the fabric over her bump. "Now hurry up and get ready so we can eat." Brett quickly changed into a casual button-up shirt and khakis, opting for a light, beach-friendly look. Within minutes, they were out the door and heading toward the resort's restaurant.
When they arrived, the smell of spices hit them immediately—warm, smoky, and irresistible. As soon as they sat down, a waiter came over to greet them, offering a menu filled with a variety of tempting options. Brett opened his and glanced at Santana. "So, what are you in the mood for?"
She barely glanced at the menu before closing it with a definitive thud. "I don't care what we start with," she said, her eyes gleaming mischievously, "but I want the tres leches cake" Brett laughed, shaking his head. "Of course, you do. But how about we start with the queso dip?" Santana's face lit up. "Queso? Oh yes. Absolutely. And maybe some guac too?"
"I feel like I've been hungry all day," she confessed. "This baby is a bottomless pit."
With the sun fully set and the moon now hanging low in the sky, they enjoyed their meal, content and happy. "Thanks for tonight," she said softly. "Anytime, babe," he replied, pressing a kiss to the top of her head as they strolled back to their bungalow. "It's all for you and the little one."
As they walked back, their bellies full and heart's content, they both knew that this trip was the perfect way to mark the beginning of the next chapter in their lives.
The following morning, soft rays of sunlight streamed through the curtains of their private bungalow, illuminating the room with a golden glow. Brett and Santana were still wrapped in each other's arms, sound asleep, when a gentle knock on the door stirred Brett awake. He blinked groggily and glanced at the clock—it was just after eight in the morning.
A soft smile tugged at his lips as he opened the door to find their breakfast waiting for them, a tray loaded with fresh juice, yogurt parfaits, an assortment of pastries, and a colorful spread of fruit. The buttery aroma of freshly baked croissants filled the room as Brett carefully brought the tray over to the bed.
Santana, still nestled in the covers, stirred at the smell, her nose twitching slightly before her eyes fluttered open. She blinked sleepily at Brett, who was now grinning as he set the tray down on the bedside table. "Good morning, beautiful," he said softly, climbing back into bed and kissing her forehead. "Morning," Santana mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep. "Is that... croissants?" Brett chuckled. "Yep, fresh and warm. I knew that would wake you up." She smiled, stretching a little before sitting up. "You know me too well."
Brett handed her a glass of fresh orange juice, then picked up his own. He held it up, clinking his glass against hers. "Happy anniversary," he said, his voice soft but filled with warmth.
Santana's smile grew as she gazed into his eyes, "Happy anniversary," she echoed, leaning in to kiss him gently. "One year married. We made it, just," she added with a playful laugh.
Brett laughed too, shaking his head. "look at us now. Sitting in a fancy resort, eating croissants in bed, and you've got our little baby growing inside you." He placed a hand on her belly, which had become a reflex for him now. "I'd say we're doing pretty well." Santana looked down at his hand and placed her own on top of it. "Yeah, we are."
After finishing their breakfast, they changed into their swimsuits and packed a small bag for the day's adventure: a pontoon boat ride to explore the nearby areas of the keys. Once they were settled on board, Brett took his place at the wheel, excited to navigate the boat through the calm waters. Santana sat back in one of the lounge chairs, her hand resting protectively over her belly as she watched him, her heart swelling with affection.
"You look like a pro," she teased, watching as Brett carefully steered the boat away from the dock. "Well, I did some research," Brett replied with a smirk. "Watched a few YouTube videos. So, yeah, I guess you could say I'm a natural."
Santana laughed, the sound blending with the soft splash of the waves as they glided through the clear blue water. The sun was shining, but a cool breeze kept the heat at bay. It was the perfect day—blue skies stretching endlessly above them, and the beauty of the Florida Keys unfolding all around.
They spent the next few hours exploring, anchoring the boat near a secluded beach where they waded in the shallow water, letting the sun kiss their skin. Brett kept a close eye on Santana, always making sure she was comfortable and hydrated, though Santana waved off most of his concern with a grin. "I'm fine, Brett. I'm pregnant, not made of glass."
"Yeah, but you're carrying my precious cargo," Brett replied, tapping her belly playfully. Santana rolled her eyes, but her smile gave her away. She loved how attentive he was, even if he could be a little overprotective at times.
As the afternoon wore on, they lounged on the boat, talking about their future and reminiscing about their wedding day. Brett leaned back in his chair, sunglasses on, a relaxed smile on his face as he listened to Santana describe how nervous she'd been before walking down the aisle.
"I was a wreck," she admitted with a laugh. "I don't think I've ever been that nervous in my life. I was convinced I was going to trip."
"I couldn't tell," Brett said. "You looked so calm and beautiful. When you walked down that aisle, it was like everything else just disappeared. It was just you." Santana's eyes softened at his words, and she reached over to take his hand. "That was one of the best days of my life."
After a few more hours on the boat, they returned to the resort, both of them sun-kissed and content. Santana was tired, but it was the good kind of tired, the kind that comes from a day well spent.
They spent the rest of the day lounging on the beach, Brett lying under the shade of an umbrella while Santana soaked up the last bit of sunshine.
As the warm glow of the setting sun bathed the sky in shades of pink and orange, Brett and Santana made their way back to their private waterfront bungalow. The day had been magical, filled with relaxation and adventure, and now they were getting ready for a romantic evening ahead. Santana walked ahead of Brett, the soft breeze playing with her hair as she glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him.
Brett smiled as he changed into a crisp button-down shirt and slacks. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and adjusted his collar. When Santana stepped out of the bathroom, his breath caught in his throat.
"You look... incredible," Brett said, his eyes soft with admiration. "Thanks," Santana replied, smoothing down her dress and looking at him appreciatively. "You don't look too bad yourself."
They made their way to the resort's fine dining restaurant, the ambiance already setting the tone for a romantic evening. The restaurant was tucked away by the water, with dim lighting and candles flickering on each table, casting a soft glow across the room. A live pianist played soft music in the background, and the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore added to the serenity.
Once they were seated, Brett and Santana took in the atmosphere. Their table was perfectly positioned with a view of the ocean, and the soft clinking of glasses around them added a gentle hum of life to the otherwise quiet evening. A waiter handed them menus, and Brett scanned his options with a thoughtful look.
"I might go for the escargot," he said, glancing at Santana over the top of the menu. Santana immediately scrunched her nose in disgust. "If you order snails, Brett, I'm not kissing you for a month. Minimum." Brett raised an eyebrow and stared at her, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "A month?" He was clearly teasing, enjoying the way she reacted. Santana folded her arms and glared at him, though her lips twitched as if she was fighting a smile. "Yep. A month. No exceptions."
They locked eyes for a few seconds, both of them holding their ground in mock seriousness until Brett finally relented. "Fine, fine," he said, shaking his head with a grin. "I'll have the shrimp cocktail," Santana smirked, satisfied with her victory. "Smart man."
"Look at us, all fancy," she said with a grin, glancing back at Brett as he reached for her hand across the table.
He took her hand gently and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly. "I love you, Mrs. Pierce," he said, his voice quiet but filled with warmth. Santana's heart fluttered, and she squeezed his hand in return. "I love you too," she whispered, smiling at him across the table. It was moments like this that made her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
Their food arrived shortly after, and they dug into their meals with appreciative hums. Brett's lobster was rich and creamy, the flavors perfectly balanced, while Santana's filet mignon was tender and cooked to perfection. They shared their sides, exchanging bites here and there, and occasionally feeding each other small portions with laughter and jokes.
"This is incredible," Santana said as she savored a bite of her steak. "It almost makes up for the fact that you tried to order snails." Brett chuckled, shaking his head. "I still think you're missing out. But, this shrimp cocktail is pretty good."
As the meal progressed, the conversation flowed easily between them. They talked about the future—what life would look like once the baby arrived, how they wanted to make time for moments like this even after becoming parents, and their hopes for the next few years.
"We're going to be those parents who still have date nights," Brett said confidently. "I'm not letting the romance die just because we'll be up at all hours of the night with a baby." Santana smiled. "I like the sound of that. And we'll need breaks, for sure. But we'll make it work." She paused, her eyes softening as she looked at him. "You're going to be an amazing dad, you know that?"
Brett's expression softened, and he reached out to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thanks. And you're going to be the best mom. Our kid's already lucky." Santana felt her heart swell at his words. It was moments like these that reminded her just how much she loved Brett, and how lucky she felt to have found someone who not only loved her but understood her completely.
As they finished up their meal and prepared to leave, Santana took one last look at the ocean beyond the restaurant's terrace, feeling completely content. Brett reached across the table, giving her hand a soft squeeze, drawing her attention back to him. "Ready to head back?" he asked, his eyes filled with warmth. She nodded, a soft smile curling at the edges of her lips. "I could stay here forever, but yeah, let's go."
As they walked out of the restaurant hand in hand, their pace unhurried, the night air felt cooler now, refreshing after the warmth of the day. When they reached their bungalow, Santana was the first to push open the door. She stopped short in the doorway, her breath catching in her throat. The soft glow of candlelight filled the room, and the bed was beautifully adorned with rose petals, scattered in delicate patterns across the white duvet. Balloons floated gracefully near the ceiling, casting soft shadows on the walls, and on the bedside table sat a bouquet of vibrant flowers next to a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries.
"Brett…" Santana whispered, her voice filled with awe. She turned to face him, her hand still resting on the doorframe as she took it all in.
Brett stood behind her, a proud smile lighting up his face. "Happy anniversary, San," he said softly, stepping forward to wrap his arms around her waist from behind. He rested his chin on her shoulder, his hands sliding to her hips as he kissed the curve of her neck gently.
"This is… perfect," she breathed out, leaning into him, letting the moment wash over her. The surprise, the attention to detail, the thoughtfulness — it was everything she could have hoped for. "You deserve it," Brett murmured into her ear.
She let out a contented sigh, turning in his arms so she could face him. Santana looked up at him, her dark eyes filled with gratitude and love. "I don't know how I got so lucky with you," she said softly, resting her hands on his chest as he leaned down to brush his lips against hers in a tender kiss. His hands slid from her hips to her back, holding her closer as the kiss deepened.
"I'd throw you on the bed with the rose petals, but you know… pregnancy rules. So, you're just gonna have to get on it yourself," he teased, his voice light and playful. Santana rolled her eyes dramatically, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Ugh, pregnancy ruining all the fun," she joked, before making her way toward the bed. She moved slowly, mindful of her growing belly, but the gleam in her eyes betrayed her excitement.
With a soft grunt, Santana plopped down onto the bed, reaching for the sheets playfully. As she tugged at them, a cascade of rose petals flew into the air, swirling and floating around her like delicate confetti. The petals scattered across the bed and the floor, the vibrant red contrasting with the white linens and dark wood of the room. "You look beautiful," he said as he climbed onto the bed next to Santana. "I love you" she whispered, leaning in to kiss him again.
Their lips moved together in a slow dance, each savoring the taste of the other. Brett's hands slid from her back to cup her face gently as they deepened the kiss. His tongue brushed against hers teasingly before pulling away, causing Santana to let out a low moan of protest.
Brett's hands moved to the zipper at the back of Santana's dress, carefully pulling it down as he pressed a kiss to her neck. The material fell away, pooling at her waist and revealing the lace maternity bra and panties she'd chosen for the evening. "Damn, baby," he said, his eyes roaming over her curves appreciatively. "You look hot." She blushed slightly at his words, but couldn't help feeling a surge of confidence at the way he was looking at her.
Before she could respond, Brett had shed his clothes in record time and joined her back on the bed. He pressed gentle kisses against her skin as his hands roamed over her body, exploring every curve and dip.
"Tell me what you want, San" he murmured against her skin, his hands sliding down to cup her breasts. Santana let out a low moan at the sensation, arching her back into his touch. "I want you," she whispered, looking up at him with desire and need shining in her eyes. "I want you to make love to me."
Brett moved Santana onto her side, spooning her from behind as he continued to pepper kisses along her neck and shoulders. "I want you too, baby," he whispered against her skin, his fingers ttracingpatterns over the lace of her lingerie before sliding down to rest on the curve of her belly. "You're so beautiful."
With a gentle nudge of his hips, Brett entered Santana slowly from behind. She gasped at the sensation, arching into him as he filled her. They moved together slowly, savoring every touch and caress.
Santana sighed contentedly as Brett's lips trailed down her spine, leaving a trail of kisses in their wake. She felt completely at ease in his arms, their bodies moving together. She moaned softly, her hands reaching back to tangle in Brett's hair as he continued to worship her body with his lips. "I love you," she whispered between kisses, her words barely audible but filled with so much meaning.
Brett responded by pressing a kiss to the neck before slowly pulling out and then pushing back in again. Santana's fingers dug into the sheets as Brett's pace began to quicken. Her breaths came in short gasps as she felt herself building towards her release. His lips trailed down her spine, stopping to press a kiss to each vertebrae before moving lower. He spread her legs wider, his hands gripping her hips as he continued to thrust into her from behind. His hands roamed over every inch of her skin, driving her wild with desire. She moaned his name as he whispered "You feel so good, you're so wet for me", pushing her closer and closer to the edge.
"I'm so close," she gasped, her hands reaching back to grip Brett's thighs for support as his movements became more urgent. He couldn't hold back any longer and with one final thrust, they both reached their climax together, bodies shaking with pleasure with both of them panting and trying to catch their breath.