The air was warm and fragrant, filled with the scent of freshly bloomed flowers as Easter approached. Sophie stood on the patio of James’s home, watching children dart around the garden, their laughter ringing out as they searched for hidden eggs. It was her first Easter with James’s family, and despite her initial nerves, she felt an undeniable warmth from the people around her.
Her hands instinctively rested on her rounded stomach, now unmistakably showing the life growing within her. At five months pregnant, she’d begun to feel the gentle flutters of the baby’s movements, a sensation that filled her with both awe and disbelief.
“You’re glowing, you know,” James’s voice came from behind her, low and rich, wrapping around her like the softest caress.
She turned to find him holding a plate with a slice of carrot cake, a playful yet tender smile tugging at his lips.
“Am I?” she teased, brushing a hand over her growing belly. “I feel more like I’m waddling.”
James chuckled, setting the plate down on the patio table before stepping closer. His hands slid to her waist, fingers lingering as though savoring every curve. “You’re stunning, Sophie. Always have been, always will be.”
His words sent a familiar warmth pooling deep within her, and she leaned into him, their foreheads brushing as his thumb traced lazy circles over her side.
“I can’t believe how much everything has changed,” she murmured softly, her gaze locked on his. “A year ago, I was just trying to survive the holidays without making a fool of myself. And now…”
“Now, you’re carrying my child,” James said, his voice dropping to a reverent whisper. His hands moved to cradle her belly, his touch so tender it made her heart flutter. “And you’ve made me the happiest man alive.”
He pressed a kiss to her temple, his lips lingering just enough to make her shiver. Sophie smiled as she felt the unmistakable flutter of life beneath his palms, and she watched his face light up with wonder.
“Was that…?” he asked, eyes wide with delight.
She nodded, laughter bubbling in her chest. “That was your child. They’ve been very active lately.”
James knelt before her, his hands still warm against her stomach, his breath skimming her skin as he murmured, “Hey, little one. Already making sure we know you’re here, huh? Just like your mom—impossible to ignore.”
Sophie laughed softly, the sound catching in her throat when his hands slid down to hold her hips, his gaze lifting to meet hers. There was something in his eyes, a depth of adoration and longing that made her pulse quicken.
The moment was interrupted by James’s mother, calling out from the garden. “James! Sophie! Come join us for the egg roll!”
Sophie exhaled, amused, and rolled her eyes. “Your mom is relentless.”
“She’s excited,” James said, standing and offering his arm. “You’re the first person to bring a baby into this family in years. You’re practically royalty in her eyes.”
Later, as the evening drew in and the celebrations wound down, James led Sophie back inside, away from the lively hum of the garden. The fire in the living room crackled invitingly, casting flickering shadows that danced across the walls.
He guided her to the plush sofa and settled beside her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders as she leaned into him. “I wanted a moment alone with you,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
“What’s on your mind?” Sophie asked, resting her hand on his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her palm.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about the future,” James admitted, his gaze holding hers. “About us, about the baby, about everything. I know we didn’t plan this, but…” He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small box that made Sophie’s breath catch.
When he opened it, the firelight caught the delicate diamond ring inside, making it sparkle brilliantly.
“Sophie,” James said, his voice trembling slightly as he took her hand, “you’ve given me so much already—your love, your trust, and now the incredible gift of becoming a father. I want to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you’ve made me. Will you marry me?”
Tears welled in her eyes, her heart swelling with so much love it felt like it might burst.
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Yes, James, I’ll marry you.”
His smile was radiant as he slipped the ring onto her finger, but it was the kiss that followed—a deep, consuming melding of their lips—that truly sealed the moment. Sophie felt herself melt against him, her fingers threading into his hair as the warmth of the fire mirrored the heat building between them.
James’s hands found their way to her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space between them. His touch was insistent yet gentle, his lips leaving a trail of fire down her neck as she tilted her head back with a soft sigh.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent a thrill racing through her.
Sophie answered by wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him down onto the rug with her. “I’ve never been more sure of anything,” she whispered, her breath warm against his ear.
The firelight cast a warm, golden glow across the room, and Sophie felt the world outside fade away as James’s gaze lingered on her. His hands, steady and sure, cradled her face as their lips met in a kiss that deepened with every passing moment.
She melted into him, her fingers sliding into his hair, pulling him closer as her body instinctively arched against his. James responded, his hands slipping down her back, tracing the curves that carried the life they had created together.
As he leaned over her, their movements unhurried yet filled with simmering passion, Sophie felt his lips trail a slow, tantalizing path from her mouth to her jaw, then down to the sensitive hollow of her neck. Each kiss sent a shiver through her, her breath catching as his touch grew bolder.
“Are you sure?” he murmured against her skin, his voice low and rough, his hands resting at the curve of her waist.
Sophie met his gaze, her eyes dark with longing. “I’ve never been more sure of anything,” she whispered, her voice trembling with anticipation.
James’s lips curved into a soft smile before claiming hers again, this time with a fervor that left her breathless. He eased her back onto the plush rug, his body aligning with hers in a perfect, heated embrace.
His hands roamed her body, exploring the soft, rounded contours of her pregnancy with reverence. “You’re incredible,” he murmured, his lips grazing her collarbone as his fingers brushed over her belly. “Every part of you.”
Sophie’s laughter was soft, mingling with a moan as his touch became more deliberate, his kisses trailing lower. The crackle of the fire filled the room, mingling with the sound of their quickened breaths. She reached for the buttons of his shirt, her fingers trembling with need as she pushed the fabric aside, revealing the warmth of his skin.
James groaned softly as her hands roamed over his chest, her touch igniting something primal in him. He shifted, his lips finding hers again, while his hands slid beneath the hem of her dress, pushing it upward with deliberate slowness.
Sophie gasped as his hands explored the sensitive skin of her thighs, his fingers brushing over her with a touch that sent sparks of pleasure through her. She reached for him, pulling him closer until his weight pressed against her, grounding her in the intensity of the moment.
Their movements became a symphony of shared desire, every touch, every kiss speaking volumes about their connection. James was both tender and demanding, his love for Sophie evident in the way he worshipped her body. She responded with equal fervor, her nails grazing his back as she pulled him impossibly closer.
When their bodies finally came together, it was with an intimacy that transcended the physical. Sophie’s world narrowed to the man above her, the warmth of his skin, the way he murmured her name like a prayer.
They moved together, their rhythm slow and unhurried, savoring each moment. Sophie’s hands gripped his shoulders, her soft moans blending with his as they spiraled higher. The firelight danced over their entwined forms, casting flickering shadows that seemed to echo their passion.
James’s lips found hers once more as they reached the peak together, their cries muffled against each other’s mouths. The intensity of the moment left Sophie trembling, her body spent yet utterly fulfilled.
He collapsed beside her, pulling her into his arms as their breathing slowed. Sophie nestled against his chest, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across his skin.
“I’ll never get enough of you,” James whispered, his lips brushing against her temple.
Sophie smiled, her eyes fluttering closed as the warmth of his embrace and the lingering glow of their love enveloped her. In that moment, she felt completely at peace, knowing that the love they shared would carry them through every challenge and triumph to come.
As the baby gave another gentle kick, Sophie laughed softly, resting her hand over her belly. “I think someone approves,” she murmured.
James grinned, his hand joining hers. “Next Easter, they’ll be here with us,” he said, his voice filled with wonder.
“And we’ll have even more to celebrate,” Sophie added, her heart swelling with joy.
As they lay together, the fire slowly burning down to embers, they both knew that this was only the beginning of their journey—a love story that would continue to grow, just like the family they were creating.
