Cohen spots me first. “MOM!” He bolts over and wraps his arms around me like a rocket ship docking at home base. I lift him up, feeling the warmth of his embrace, the pure happiness in his touch.
“Happy Birthday, lovebug,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
He pulls back and grins at me. “This is the best birthday ever!” he exclaims, his voice filled with so much excitement that it makes my heart burst.
And it’s only just begun.
I set him down and glance over at Cole, who’s walking toward us now. The three of us stand there for a moment, just holding each other, wrapped in the love that feels so strong it could move mountains.
Cole walks over, leaning in to kiss my temple. His hand rests gently on my lower back.
And in that touch, I know.
Soon, I’ll tell him.
I’ll tell both of them.
On the way to Cohen’s party, he can hardly contain his excitement. He’s been guessing his surprise all week, but he keeps getting it wrong, much to his frustration. I smile, letting him guess a few more times, just to see him squirm.
When we pull up to the lake, Cohen’s jaw drops. His eyes go wide, and his face breaks into a huge grin. “This is the best boat ever!”
I laugh, squeezing Cole’s hand as I tell Cohen, “This was the surprise. We bought a boat. Just for you.”
His eyes light up, and I swear I see a little tear in his eye. “This is the best birthday ever!” he says again, his voice full of awe.
Cole squeezes my hand.
“You were right,” I whisper to him. “This is the perfect surprise.”
The party is a huge success. Cohen has the time of his life surrounded by his friends, water tubing, and water skiing. My siblings are all there. Reuben, Asher, Millie and Gabriel, with their daughters Aura and Mars, and Lucie.
Everyone’s laughing, celebrating, and soaking in the joy of the day.
When Cohen opens his presents, his face lights up even more when he sees the Nintendo Switch and the 3D printer. I can feel Cole beside me, his hand resting on my back, as we both watch our son’s face light up.
We did good.
As the sun sets, the warm glow of evening falls over us, and the sound of laughter fills the air. Everyone gathers around the bonfire on the shore, roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and sharing memories. Cohen and his friends race around, trying to catch fireflies, their giggles ringing through the air like music.
Cohen pulls me aside, his face serious. “Mom, can we go on the boat again tomorrow?”
I laugh, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. “Of course, sweetheart. We’ll go whenever you want.”
As the party winds down, I pull Cole and Cohen aside. This is the moment.
“Guys,” I start, my voice trembling with emotion, “I have one more present.”
Cole’s eyes narrow slightly, curious. Cohen leans in like he’s expecting a secret code.
I take a deep breath, steadying my hands.
“I’m pregnant. We’re going to have another baby.”
Cole freezes. Cohen’s mouth drops open.
Silence. One heartbeat. Two.
Then—
