Page 97 of Knot Just Their Nanny
Henry stands by the stove, spatula in hand, wrestling with what smells like a glorious attempt at pancakes. His concentration is pure Henry – precise, thoughtful, always quietly confident even when faced with a rebellious breakfast batter.
Liam is setting the table, the muscles in his forearms flexing as he moves plates and cutlery with care. He looks up, and his gentle gaze meets mine, filled with an affection that sends a wave of warmth through me.
“Morning,” I say, my voice brimming with the happiness that bubbles inside me.
“Happy birthday, Mia,” Ben says, walking over to plant a soft kiss on her cheek while Henry and Liam join in, peppering her with birthday affection.
Ben turns to me and gives me a soft kiss on my forehead. He breathes in my scent, and a questioning look crosses his face. I simply smile back at him, not ready to share just yet.
“Look who’s ready to take on her first big birthday!” I announce, tilting Mia so she can see her daddies.
Mia responds with excited babbles, reaching out to them. They’re wrapped around her little finger, and the sight fills the room with a glow that’s better than the brightest sunshine breaking through the Lake District clouds.
“Food’s nearly ready,” Liam adds, bringing over a freshly brewed pot of coffee to the island. “Grab a seat, princess.”
“Thanks,” I say, grateful for the normalcy these moments bring, grounding us in the every day even as excitement flutters in my chest like a trapped bird eager to soar.
Settling Mia in her highchair, her little hands clap in anticipation, and I copy her, beaming and bursting with so much love that tears prick my eyes. Handing her a squeaky rubber duck, the kind that makes her eyes light up every time it lets out its funny sound, she takes to it immediately, squeezing it with glee. At the same time, I look over at Ben, Henry, and Liam huddled around the table inhaling food and coffee like it’s their last day on earth.
“Sleep well?” Ben asks, his eyes are soft on mine as he passes me a mug of steaming tea.
“Yes, Mia sleeping through finally is like a miracle,” I reply, placing the mug down and wringing my hands with a sudden attack of nerves as Henry swaps Mia’s duck for a slice of jam on toast cut into squares, and then sits.
“Dada!” Mia shouts out, and Liam goes to her even though we have no idea which Dada she means. They’re all Dada, and that’s just perfect in my eyes.
“Here, let me help with that.” Liam’s already on his feet, wiping a smear of strawberry jam from Mia’s cheek with the corner of a tea towel.
My gaze flicks between the three of them. My pulse quickens; it’s now or never. “Guys, I need to tell you something...” I start, the words teetering on the edge of my lips. They all turn to me, anticipation hanging between us like bunting at a street party.
“Go on,” Henry encourages, leaning forward.
I take a deep breath, the news fizzing inside me like a bottle of champers ready to pop. “I have something amazing to tell you all.”
“Spill it then,” Ben says, his smile encouraging but unwittingly adding weight to the pause before the reveal. He knows. He can tell the difference in my scent. The other two might not be as attuned, but Ben’s been through this before.
I’m grinning so wide my cheeks ache, but I don’t care. “I’m pregnant,” I blurt out, the words rushing out like they’ve been bottled up for way too long.
Their reactions are immediate and electric. It feels like time slows down for a split second, everything suspended in the air between us.
Liam stands first, knocking his chair back as he does. He wraps me in his big arms, lifting me clear off the ground in one of his bear hugs. The others are quick to join in, pulling us into an all-encompassing and warm group embrace.
“I knew it! We’re going to be dads again!” Ben chuckles, his voice thick with emotion, while Henry plants kisses on top of my head, murmurs of joy tumbling from him.
The house is now a riot of laughter and cheers, the earlier calm washed away by a tide of sheer elation. I can barely hearmyself think over the excitement, but it doesn’t matter. This is what happiness sounds like: chaotic and utterly perfect.
Mia claps her hands in her highchair, joining in the excitement without knowing why. Her little face is lit up with glee. I reckon she senses the love swirling around; it’s infectious, after all.
Liam’s laughter echoes around the kitchen, and he says, “Looks like the birthday girl is going to be a big sister!” He sets me down gently, but his eyes are dancing with mirth.
We all settle down again, breakfast resuming amid an atmosphere thick with plans for the future and fond recollections of the past year. Mia gurgles happily, oblivious to the fact she’s at the heart of this new joy unfolding.
Henry looks across at me with those sincere eyes. “You okay? Not feeling overwhelmed, sick, tired?” he asks.
The concern in his voice is touching; they always look out for me so well. “Nope,” I reply confidently. “I’ve never been better.”
The warmth of their joy wraps around me, and I’m floating on a sea of love. It’s pure amazement, the way they look at me as if I’ve hung the stars in the sky. I’ve never felt so cherished, so absolutely vital.
“Zara,” Ben breathes out, his hand resting gently on my stomach, his eyes alight with visions of our future. “A little miracle.”
