The Final Preparations

Lila woke up to the gentle sound of rain pattering against the roof. The early morning air was cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and fresh pine through the open window. She stretched slowly, pressing a hand over her belly, feeling the now-familiar flutter of their baby moving beneath her skin.

Ethan stirred beside her, his arm tightening around her waist. His warmth seeped into her, grounding her in the present moment.

“Morning,” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.

Lila smiled, shifting slightly so she could look at him. “Morning.”

Ethan blinked the sleep from his eyes before his gaze dropped to her stomach. A lazy smile tugged at his lips. “How’s our little troublemaker?”

Lila chuckled. “Very active.”

Ethan smirked. “Good. Just like their mother.”

Lila rolled her eyes playfully. “I hope they get some of your patience.”

Ethan hummed, brushing a hand over her stomach. “And I hope they get all of your strength.”

Lila softened, placing her hand over his. “I think they’ll be just fine, as long as they have us.”

Ethan leaned down, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her lips. “They will.”

The moment stretched between them, warm and full of quiet understanding.

But then, reality set in.

“We have a lot to do today,” Lila murmured, pulling away slightly.

Ethan groaned, flopping onto his back. “Don’t remind me.”

Lila chuckled, nudging him. “We need to finish gathering supplies. Sarah is coming by later to go over the final details of the birth.”

Ethan sighed dramatically. “You really know how to ruin a good morning.”

Lila smirked. “Oh, hush. You’ll survive.”

Ethan grumbled something under his breath but sat up, rubbing his hands over his face.

Lila swung her legs over the edge of the bed, taking a deep breath. The weight of her belly made even the simplest movements feel heavier now, but she wouldn’t complain.

Every ache, every sleepless night, every moment of discomfort—it was all leading to something far greater than she had ever imagined.

Ethan stood and stretched before offering her his hand. “Come on. Let’s get started.”

By mid-morning, the cottage was a flurry of movement.

Margaret had taken it upon herself to organize everything in the kitchen, making sure they had enough food stocked up for the weeks following the birth.

William, surprisingly, had been useful in gathering extra blankets and linens, though he had spent most of the time making jokes about how Ethan was going to faint the moment the baby arrived.

“Strong men don’t faint,” Ethan had grumbled, scowling.

William had smirked. “We’ll see about that.”

Now, Lila sat on the porch, going over the list of supplies with Sarah, the midwife.

Sarah was a woman of quiet confidence, her presence both calming and reassuring. She had delivered more babies than she could count, and Lila felt safe knowing she would be there when the time came.

“You’ve done well preparing,” Sarah said, scanning the list. “Everything looks to be in order.”

Lila exhaled in relief. “That’s good to hear.”

Sarah’s gaze flicked to her stomach. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired,” Lila admitted. “But good.”

Sarah nodded. “That’s normal. You’re nearing the final stretch.”

Lila swallowed, the weight of those words settling over her.

The final stretch.

Soon, their baby would be here.

Soon, everything would change.

Sarah must have sensed her nerves because she reached out, giving Lila’s hand a gentle squeeze. “You’ll do just fine, Lila.”

Lila let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Thank you.”

Sarah smiled. “Ethan’s been keeping close watch on you?”

Lila chuckled. “Like a hawk.”

Sarah smirked. “That sounds about right.”

Ethan appeared then, wiping his hands on a rag. “What sounds about right?”

Sarah glanced at him knowingly. “Your tendency to hover.”

Ethan placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “I do not hover.”

Lila and Sarah exchanged amused glances.

Ethan huffed. “Fine. Maybe a little.”

Lila smirked, reaching for his hand. “It’s sweet.”

Sarah nodded approvingly. “Good husbands make good fathers.”

Ethan squeezed Lila’s hand. “I intend to be both.”

Sarah smiled. “I have no doubt.”

By late afternoon, everything was in place.

The house was ready, the supplies were gathered, and every detail had been discussed.

Lila sat by the fireplace, staring into the flames, her thoughts swirling.

Ethan came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “You alright?”

Lila sighed, leaning into him. “Just thinking.”

Ethan kissed the top of her head. “About what?”

Lila swallowed. “That soon, it won’t just be us anymore.”

Ethan was quiet for a moment before murmuring, “Are you scared?”

Lila bit her lip. “A little.”

Ethan moved to sit beside her, taking her hands in his. “Me too.”

She blinked, surprised. “You?”

Ethan smirked. “Of course. This is huge, Lila. We’re about to be parents.”

Lila exhaled. “I just… I don’t know what to expect.”

Ethan ran a thumb over her knuckles. “Neither do I. But we’ll figure it out. One step at a time.”

Lila smiled, her heart swelling. “Together.”

Ethan leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. “Always.”

Lila let out a slow breath, pressing a hand to her belly.

The final preparations were done.

All that was left now… was to wait.