“I’M GONNA BE A BIG BROTHER?!” Cohen screams, jumping like a pogo stick. “FOR REAL?!”
I laugh, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.
Cole turns to me slowly, his eyes filled with wonder and tears.
“Are you sure?” he whispers.
I nod, my heart full. “I’m sure.”
We all end up tangled in this big hug, and for a second it’s like the rest of the world just disappears. My chest feels too full in the best way. The love between us, the family we’ve somehow built, and the baby we’re about to add to the mix—it all hits me at once. This is it. This is everything.
As we stand there, in each other’s arms, I know that this is just the beginning. This marks the start of another beautiful chapter in our story. And whatever comes next, we’ll face it together, just as we always have.
The fire is still crackling as the kids finish their games and come running back toward the adults. Cohen’s smile is wider than ever, his cheeks flushed from the excitement. He’s practically bouncing on his feet, holding onto his friends’ hands as they gather around.
“Okay, okay,” he announces, jumping up and down to get everyone’s attention. His voice is louder than usual, as if he’s been waiting for this moment. “Everybody, I’ve got a super important announcement!” He looks around at the group, the firelight dancing in his eyes.
I glance at Cole, who’s watching Cohen with an amused smile. We both know what’s coming.
Cohen clears his throat dramatically, standing up straighter and placing his hands on his hips. “So, you guys know I’m gonnabe a big brother, right?” He grins, proud of himself for remembering.
There’s a moment of silence as everyone looks at him, puzzled.
“Wait...what?!” one of Cohen’s friends, Caleb asks, his face lighting up in confusion and excitement.
Cohen holds up his hands, his face lighting up with pure joy. “I’m gonna have a baby brother or sister! Because my mom’s pregnant!”
There’s a stunned silence before the entire group erupts into cheers and laughter.
“What?! You’re gonna have a sibling?” Tommy exclaims, eyes wide. “That’s so awesome!”
“You’re gonna be such a good big brother!” Caleb says with a grin.
“Seriously?” Reuben calls out from his spot by the fire, his voice teasing but full of joy. “You’re giving us more little ones to chase around?”
I laugh, feeling a mixture of surprise and happiness as Cohen practically glows with excitement. His announcement has everyone gathered around, everyone’s attention focused on him.
Cohen stands tall, looking like the proudest kid in the world, puffing out his chest. “Yep! I’m gonna be a big brother. And I’m so ready!” He spins in a circle before pointing dramatically at me. “Mom’s pregnant, and I can’t wait for the new baby to come!”
Cole steps forward, pulling me close to him, his eyes full of pride as he looks at our son. “Looks like the secret lasted all of a couple of hours,” he says with a soft chuckle.
I smile, my heart swelling with warmth. I’m still processing the news myself, but hearing Cohen announce it, so full of joy and pride, makes it all feel so real. So right.
“Congratulations!” Millie says, her voice filled with excitement. “Another little one to add to the family!”
Lucie, who’s standing nearby, smiles warmly. “That’s wonderful news! We’re all going to be one big happy family.”
Cohen beams at all the attention, loving the moment. He turns back to me with a wide grin. “See, Mom? I told you I could keep a secret!” He winks at me, clearly proud of himself.
I laugh, bending down to hug him tightly. “You did, sweetheart. You did so well. It only took you two hours to spill the beans.”
“Does this mean I get to pick out the baby’s name?” Cohen asks eagerly, his eyes full of possibilities.
“Maybe,” Cole says, ruffling Cohen’s hair. “But we’ll have to talk about it first.”
The laughter continues, the warmth of the fire wrapping us all in a cocoon of love and joy. In that moment, it feels like the whole world is sharing in our happiness. Cohen’s announcement has made everything feel even more real, and even more exciting.
I look at Cole, my heart full, and he smiles back at me. We’re not just growing our family with another baby. We’re growing in our love. And that love is the foundation of everything.
