Montana Haven: A Small Town Surprise Pregnancy Romance

18. ~ Mia ~

I stretch, feeling the warm presence of Jake beside me, and for a moment, I bask in the peace that fills my heart.

Today isn”t just any day—it”s a day we”ve dedicated to family, to making Dylan and Emily feel every bit the part of this new life we”re building together.

I slip out of bed, tiptoeing to the kitchen, where I start brewing coffee, the rich aroma filling the air. Jake isn”t far behind, his arms wrapping around me from behind, a gentle kiss pressed to my neck. ”Good morning,” he murmurs, and I lean back into his warmth.

”Morning,” I reply, turning to peck his lips. ”Today”s going to be special.”

He nods, a soft smile playing on his lips. ”Are the kids awake yet?”

”Not yet, but I”m about to go wake them up. We could start the day with pancakes?” I suggest.

Jake”s grin widens. ”I think that”s a fantastic idea.”

Together, we cook breakfast, moving around each other in a comfortable dance.

The clatter and buzz of the kitchen seem to fade into the background as Jake and I move together, a seamless team united in our mission to create the perfect family breakfast.

I’m in charge of the pancake batter, my movements precise and graceful, while Jake slices fresh fruits—strawberries, bananas, and a hint of lemon zest to sprinkle over the top for that extra zing.

Our eyes meet now and then, and there”s this spark, a silent conversation that speaks volumes of our love. In these moments, amidst the hustle of preparing a meal, I”m reminded of how deeply intertwined our lives have become.

Jacob catches me watching him and sends me a playful glare. ”Focus, Jake, or you”ll end up chopping more than just the fruit.” Her words are teasing, but the laughter in her eyes tells me she”s enjoying this as much as I am.

I can”t help but steal a quick kiss, tasting his smile”s sweetness, before returning to my task, a content sigh escaping me.

The aroma of pancakes on the grill fills the air, mingling with the scent of coffee and fresh fruit. Expertly flipping a pancake, my concentration absolute. Then I look up and I catch Jacob off guard with a quick kiss on the cheek, leaving a floury mark in my wake. I chuckle, vowing silently to remember this moment.

”Table”s set,” Jacob announces a while later, after laying out the plates and ensuring the maple syrup and butter are within easy reach. I slide the last of the pancakes onto a golden and inviting platter before joining Jacob at the table.

It”s a spread worthy of a king, made with love and peppered with those little moments that make our relationship unique.

I lean into Jacob, his presence a comforting weight against my side. ”Look at what we”ve created,” I whisper, not just referring to the breakfast. I place my hand over my flat stomach with pride at the life growing inside.

”I can”t wait to see if you have any weird cravings.” Jacob grins before pressing a kiss against my head as approaching light footsteps grab my attention.

Dylan and Emily stumble into the kitchen, rubbing sleep from their eyes but brightening at the sight of the breakfast spread.

”Dylan, Emily, today”s all about us four, well five, spending time together,” Jake announces, as we gather around the table. ”How does a backyard picnic sound?”

”Awesome!” Dylan exclaims, his sleepy demeanor replaced by excitement.

”Can we have sandwiches and cookies?” Emily”s voice is hopeful, her eyes wide.

”Absolutely,” I answer, smiling at Jake. And maybe even a treasure hunt?”

Their cheers fill the kitchen as I watch both children enjoy their breakfast.

Dylan eagerly reaches for a pancake, rolling it up with the practiced ease of a connoisseur before dousing it liberally in maple syrup. His eyes light up with the first bite, syrup clinging to his lips. He hums in delight, punctuating the meal with enthusiastic nods of approval, clearly finding a favorite in the sticky, sweet concoction.

His plate quickly becomes a testament to his love for the pancakes, scarcely a crumb left behind as he moves on to his next target with a gleeful abandon that only a child can muster.

Emily, on the other hand, is more deliberate in her approach. She carefully spreads butter on her pancake, watching it melt into a golden pool before adding a hint of syrup. Her attention, however, soon diverts to the strawberries.

She selects one, examining it critically before taking a tentative bite. A smile breaks over her face, and soon, she”s forsaken the pancakes in favor of the fruit.

Each strawberry disappears with a contented sigh, her small hands reaching for another even before she”s finished chewing. She glances up occasionally, sharing a look of bliss with anyone who catches her eye, her unmistakable preference for the strawberries over anything else on her plate.

As they take bites, they exchange whispers and giggles, planning their backyard picnic with excitement in the air.

As we prepare for a backyard picnic, blankets and cushions are spread under the shade of a magnificent oak tree. The picnic basket has delicious sandwiches, homemade cookies, and refreshing lemonade.

Dylan and Emily are brimming with excitement, eagerly helping with the preparation.

As we settle down, Jake opens the picnic basket and we make sandwiches together. Emily carefully spreads peanut butter on her bread, while Dylan insists on making a sandwich for each of us, adding oversized leaves of lettuce with contagious enthusiasm.

The picnic unfolds into an idyllic afternoon under the benevolent watch of the oak”s sprawling branches. The sandwich selection is a feast for the senses, featuring traditional turkey and cheese alongside more adventurous options like avocado and tomato with a dash of basil. Each bite is a crunchy testament to Dylan”s culinary skills, with lettuce-packed creations that stand out.

The homemade cookies are a labor of love. They have classic chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin centers, as well as daring experiments like peanut butter and jelly centers that ooze with every bite.

They are nestled in a charming woven basket, their inviting scents wafting through the air, mingling with the fresh smell of grass and the earthy musk of the oak.

It”s a delightful afternoon filled with laughter, good food, and great company. The ambiance is perfect, with the oak tree providing a serene backdrop and the delicious treats adding to the excitement. It”s a memorable day that we all cherish.

The blankets beneath us boast an eclectic mix of patterns, from vibrant plaids to serene pastels. Their fabric is soft against our skin, offering a comfortable reprieve from the uneven ground.

Cushions, plump and inviting, dot the picnic area, their softness a luxury amidst the outdoor setting, making it all too easy to sink into their depths and gaze upwards where the sunlight filters through the oak”s leaves.

Above, a solitary robin takes up residence, its song a cheerful melody that weaves through the laughter and chatter.

It flits from branch to branch, a flash of red against the green, adding a live soundtrack to our gathering. Its presence feels like a nod of approval from nature itself, a sign that this small slice of time is as perfect as it feels.

The essence of joy blooms in moments like these. I watch Dylan and Emily, their bursts of laughter carrying lighter than the breeze.

With a sandwich in one hand, Dylan pauses to declare, ”This is the best sandwich ever!” His eyes sparkle with such genuine delight that I can”t help but smile as I watch him take another eager bite.

Emily is engrossed in her bubble wand. She dips it into the soapy liquid before blowing gently, sending a stream of shimmering orbs into the air.

Each bubble catches a kaleidoscope of colors, mirroring our earlier conversations about rainbows, before Dylan”s tiny fingers dart out, bursting them with gleeful precision.

Jake, our attentive host, moves around, ensuring our plates are never empty.

”Do you need more lemonade, Mia?” he asks, his voice laced with warmth. I nod, touched by his constant thoughtfulness. He pours the lemonade with care, which makes even this simple act seem like a gesture of love.

I lean against one of the plush cushions, taking in the scene. Dylan chases after a particularly ambitious bubble, stretching his arms wide as if he could catch the afternoon sun.

Emily cheers him on, her joy as evident and infectious as the daylight. And in this moment, everything feels as if it”s right where it belongs. The world”s worries and the hustle of everyday life all drift away, leaving behind this perfect bubble of happiness.

Here, with the grass beneath us, the oak overhead, and my family”s laughter wrapping around me, I find contentment in its purest form. After we eat, Jake stands up, a twinkle in his eye. ”Who”s ready for a treasure hunt?”

The children are immediately brimming with enthusiasm as Jake explains the rules and hands them each a list of things to find around the backyard. They dash off, their laughter echoing as Jake and I lie back, watching clouds drift by.

”It feels amazing,” Jake says after a moment, his hand finding mine. ”Seeing them so happy, us...all together. It”s like we”re a family now.”

I squeeze his hand, my heart overflowing with joy. ”We are a family, Jake. And soon, there”ll be one more addition.”

Jake looks over at me, his smile gentle but bursting with excitement. ”I can”t wait to meet our baby. To share all this love with another little one.”

The simplicity of the moment, the thrill of anticipation, feels like a promise fulfilled. Here, in our little backyard oasis, with Dylan and Emily”s laughter ringing, I realize this is what happiness feels like.

I”ve always dreamed of this—a family built not just on love but on shared joys, simple pleasures, and the promise of tomorrow.

”Found one!” Emily”s triumphant voice breaks our reverie, and we turn to see her holding up a shiny stone, the afternoon sun catching its edges.

And in this moment, everything feels perfect.