Princess🐰

September 16, 2024

Two years ago you and Cassie had decided on having a baby together.

Since you were a kid, you’ve dreamt about having a daughter. You went back and forth about being fine with having no children at all, but came to the conclusion that you would love to have at least one. Luckily, Cassie was thrilled by the idea.

After Harrison, Cassie wasn’t sure if she wanted another kid. Medical school and entering her 40’s pushed the idea of having another kid to the back of her mind. However, she started to reconsider when she met you.

Cassie being pregnant was off the table though. Age aside, that wasn’t an experience she wanted to go through again. Cassie grappled with the idea of being an older mother who would be 60 by the time your guys’ kid graduated high school. Plus, Harrison was almost 11 — there would be an age difference greater than 10 years between him and his sibling.

At the same time, Cassie did dream about having another child and doing things the “right” way.

It would be nice to have and raise a kid with a committed partner. While Cassie is by no means rich, she’s much more financially stable than she was when she had Harrison. One of her biggest regrets in life is not being the mother Harrison needed during his first few years of life.

Cassie has always been so loving, and Harrison knows she did her best and gave him love and support, but Cassie still feels guilty about not giving him her all. Having another kid would not be a “do-over” baby though. Harrison is her biggest blessing, and she wouldn’t change that for the world, but she would love the chance to be what she wasn’t back then. Cassie was in survival mode most of her pregnancy and after she gave birth to Harrison, so she didn’t get to take in and appreciate a lot of those early stages.

You wanting a kid made Cassie smile, already able to picture you being a mother. Technically, you’re already a great mom to Harrison. He may not be blood related to you, but you treat him just the same — that silly blue eyed wild boy is your son.

Harrison telling you and Cassie one night that he really wanted a sibling is what sealed the deal for her.

You and Cassie got married, it was a small but beautiful ceremony with close family and friends, and shortly after began to research options for having a child. You wanted to go through pregnancy, so you two landed on IVF. It worked out perfectly since Cassie would rather need a lateral canthotomy than get pregnant again, and you, a healthy 27 year old, wanted to.

Two weeks ago you had an embryo transfer. You and Cassie had settled on a donor with the same blue eyes as her and Harrison. The IVF process is expensive, so you had the financial support from your parents and Cassie’s. Her dad especially was eager to have another grandkid.

You hear the front door open, and you sit up off of the couch to greet your wife. She has a Walgreens bag in her hand with a pregnancy test… well tests.

“Hi.” Cassie walks over to you and gives you a quick kiss. She then opens the bag she’s holding. “So I got four different tests, all different brands. I also got you a bag of your favorite chips.”

Chuckling, you shake your head. “Very thorough, Cass.”

She looks up at you with a sheepish smile. “What do you expect, I’m a doctor.”

“A sexy one,” you say before leaning in and pressing your lips against Cassie’s. You pull back and give her a peck before fully retreating. “Should I take the tests now?”

“If you want to. We’ve been in the clear for a few days now.” Cassie scans your face and sees the nerves settling in. “It’s completely up to you, baby. Whenever you want, okay?”

You take a deep breath and press your lips together in a smile. “Let’s do it now.”

Cassie gives you a reassuring smile and walks with you to the bathroom. She sets the bag on the counter and begins to take all four tests out, each packaging different. “Do you want me in here?”

Already pulling your pants down, you shoot her a playful look. “You’ve seen me pee a million times.”

With a small laugh, Cassie opens one of the boxes. “True.” She then passes you a test.

“Fuck, I’m going to have to let out a little at a time for each test,” you say, rubbing a hand over your face.

“No, wait, baby,” Cassie tells you, an idea popping into her head. She points a finger at you and squints her eyes playfully. “Don’t pee,” Cassie says before exiting.

A minute later she comes back with a clear disposable cup. “Just pee in this, and we’ll dip the tests in there.”

“Smart,” you say as you take the plastic cup from her. Next, you squat over the toilet and pee into the cup, something you’ve done many times over the years.

While you’re washing your hands, Cassie places each test in your urine without even being asked. You both work in an emergency room, so you and Cassie rarely get grossed out about bodily fluids — just another reason why you’re both more than ready for a baby. Cassie reads the instructions on each of the boxes and sets an alarm on her phone, and then places it on off to the side by your toothbrushes.

Anxiously, you bite the inside of your cheeks. You place your hands on the bathroom counter, the tile cool. Cassie wraps her arms around you from behind, her hands coming to rest on your stomach. This is something she’s done countless times, but now with the chance of you being pregnant, it feels different. A good kind of different.

It feels like time moves by abnormally slow. Your heart races as you wait. Cassie’s presence helps calms your nerves a little. When the alarm rings, Cassie grabs her phone to turn it off, her fingers shaking slightly with anticipation.

She takes a deep breath. “Okay, baby.” You take a deep breath as well. “Do you wanna check?”

“Um… how about we both grab one and look at the same time?”

Cassie presses a kiss to your temple. When she pulls back, she has a nervous yet reassuring smile on her face. “Perfect.”

You grab a test and Cassie does the same. “On three?”

She nods. “On three,” Cassie affirms.

“One… two… three…”

At the same time, you and Cassie flip the tests you have in your hands over. The screen on yours reads pregnant while the one on Cassie’s has a plus sign.

“Oh my god,” you exclaim, although, your voice is barely audible.

Cassie covers her mouth in shock, and then turns to you. “Baby,” Cassie whispers.

Your eyes begin to pool with tears. You set the test down and reach for another. That one also reads positive. Cassie grabs the final test, and turns it over in the middle of both of you. Another positive test.

“I’m… pregnant,” you murmur in disbelief.

“You are.”

With trembling hands, you grab Cassie’s arms, needing to grip something to ground you. “That means…”

“We’re going to have a baby,” Cassie finishes for you, her own eyes brimming with hot, happy tears.

You blink and tears roll down your cheeks. “I’m-I’m going to be a mom.”

Cassie laughs shakily and smiles at you with so much love. “You are.” She then presses a doting kiss to your forehead.

“Harrison’s going to be a big brother,” you say with a grin, your voice shaky with shock and excitement.

A single tear falls from one of Cassie’s eyes as she nods. “He’s going to be so fucking happy. I-I’m so fucking happy.”

You chuckle and smile even bigger. You bring a hand up to Cassie’s face and brush away the lone tear trailing down her cheek. “So am I.”

Cassie leans forward and kisses you. Your arms wrap around her neck while she holds onto your waist. After a few moments, she breaks the kiss and rests her forehead on yours. Cassie then cups your face and swipes away your tears with her thumbs.

“You’re pregnant,” Cassie states, unable to stop smiling.

You look up into her beautiful blue eyes and nod. “We’re having a baby.”

Cassie kisses you once more, the two of you smiling against each other. This time when she breaks the kiss, Cassie immediately pulls you into a hug. She soothingly rubs circles around your back while you cling to her shirt.

It’s not a dream — you’re really pregnant.

You and Cassie are having a baby together.

October 10, 2024 — 6 weeks pregnant

You’re about halfway through your first trimester. Your baby bump is so faint, it’s barely there. The size of your tummy has been bigger after getting bloated following a big meal than it is right now.

Over the last few weeks, morning sickness has been kicking your ass. Certain foods make it worse. You’ve been unable to stand the smell of eggs, coffee’s been making you sick (which the lack of caffeine only makes you more grouchy), and mushy textures of foods such as bananas or mashed potatoes have been impossible to eat. With Harrison, Cassie also experienced nausea and vomiting, so she’s been helping you navigate it with lots of understanding and patience.

It’s barely 8:00AM, and you’ve been nauseous since you woke up two hours ago. Unfortunately, you were awoken by your stomach turning and threw up not even a minute after waking up. Since then, you haven’t been able to go back to sleep, the aches too strong.

But Cassie’s been at your side the whole time, even refusing to go back to sleep when you told her it was fine to.

In the master bathroom, you’re sitting on the edge of the tub. Cassie’s redoing the messy bun you did when you first got up. You’ve thrown up at least three times since, so your hair is falling out. Cassie gently combs your hair with her fingers before tying it back up, now more secure.

All of a sudden, that all too familiar ache surfaces again. With a gag, you stand up.

“Fuck,” you moan.

Cassie follows you as you head back to the toilet, dropping on your knees the second you get there. You whine in pain as you lift your head over the bowl, resting your forearms on the rim.

Cassie’s brows knit together in concern and anguish, feeling helpless because she knows there’s nothing she can do to rid you of this nauseousness. She gave you ginger after you first threw up today, but before it had the chance to kick in, you threw it up.

“I’m sorry, baby,” Cassie tells you sympathetically.

After a minute or so, you finally feel like you’ve gotten everything out. Maybe later this afternoon you’d get sick again, but for now it seems to have subsides. You’re crossing your fingers that this will be it for the whole day.

“God,” you say before standing up slowly. You reach out to grip the counter to help steady yourself, but Cassie grabs you with both hands instead, helping you up. “I hate throwing up.”

“I know, baby,” Cassie tells you, rubbing soothing circles on your back. She helps walk you over to the sink. You turn on the faucet and lean down to rinse your mouth.

“Mmm,” you moan lowly, miserable and nauseous. “I just want to lay down.”

Cassie nods, her hands still on you. “Of course, babe.” Even though you’re capable of walking without support, you let Cassie help anyways.

“Do you need anything?” Cassie asks as she lowers you to the bed.

“Water please. I think I left my water bottle in the kitchen.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back.” Cassie presses a soft kiss to the top of your head before leaving.

Less than 30 seconds later, she returns. You sit up to take a sip. “Thanks, baby.”

“No need to thank me,” Cassie replies as she hands you your water. She watches you closely, looking for any new signs of discomfort. When you finish drinking, Cassie takes your water bottle and places it on the nightstand. She then brushes a stray piece of hair behind your ear, her touch featherlight and delicate.

“I’m okay, Cass,” you tell her as you begin to lay down again.

“Are you sure? I can get you—”

“I’m fine”, you say, cutting Cassie off. “Can you just lay with me?”

Cassie’s worried expression quickly softens and shifts to one filled with affection. “Of course.” You scoot over so Cassie can climb in.

“You’re amazing”, you say as you roll onto your side, adjusting yourself until you’re as comfortable as possible.

Cassie presses a kiss to your shoulder. “You are.” Cautiously, she wraps an arm around you. Cassie knows that you’ve been running hot lately, and she doesn’t want to add to your discomfort. Lightly, she places a hand on your stomach. “You’re literally creating life inside of you.”

You smile softly and bring Cassie’s hand to your mouth, kissing her knuckles lovingly. Then, you lower her hand back down to rest on your abdomen. Cassie curls up closer to you, her head coming up to rest on your shoulder and her thumb brushes tender strokes over your small bump.

“Is this okay?”

“Yeah, I want you close.”

Cassie smiles to herself and tightens her hold on you. You curl up more, your body molding perfectly with Cassie’s. “Tell me if you need me to move.”

“I will. Thanks, baby.”

“Good.” Cassie peppers your neck and cheek with kisses before murmuring, “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

March 15, 2025 — 30 weeks pregnant

Two months ago you and Cassie found out you are having a girl.

Both of you didn’t want to have a big gender reveal, it felt weird to have an elaborate celebration over the sex of a baby. However, you two were still excited to find out.

You ordered a gender reveal cake from your favorite bakery. You, Cassie, and Harrison all had a clear cup and dug into the cake at the same time. Harrison is so excited to have a sibling, he didn’t care either way. The three of you were so excited to welcome a babygirl.

Since then, you haven’t done anything special like that in terms of the baby. But you will again since you have an upcoming baby shower.

Your sister decided to throw a baby shower for you and Cassie. She orchestrated everything, and while it was at your place, the only job you and Cassie had was to make a registry and guest list.

There are so many baby items you didn’t even realize you are going to need. It was fun but overwhelming to browse for your registry with Cassie. The wishlist ended up being long, so it’s going to be a surprise to see what you actually end up with.

Your baby shower is only women with the exception of Whitaker and Cassie’s dad Neil. You were fairly close with Whitaker, and it felt weird to invite Santos but not him which is why he made it into the guest list. Cassie’s mom died when she was in her late 20’s, so it was your idea to invite her dad instead. He loves to be involved in his daughter’s life, and he’s so excited to have another grandkid, so he happily accepted the invite.

The rest of the guest list includes PTMC coworkers, family, and friends. It wasn’t going to be a big party, but there’s a decent amount of people coming. You often forget how many people you have in your life that care about you and Cassie.

Cassie didn’t really have a baby shower when she was pregnant with Harrison. The closest thing she had was a small family lunch where they brought her some gifts. Because of that, Cassie’s really excited to have a baby shower for her next baby, especially because it’s with you.

It’s fairytale themed, an idea you came up with that Cassie loved. Your sister bought a few decorations including pastel colored balloons, a whimsical botanical tablecloth, and themed food. There’s a fruit tray, star shaped rice crispies on a stick to look like a magic wand, mini butterfly peanut butter and jellies, a charcuterie board, flower cupcakes, and Dana said that she would make pigs in a blanket. You weren’t expecting for this much effort to be put into a simple party, but you were grateful for it.

The attire isn’t anything too fancy, so you decided to wear a simple pink sundress. To match with you, Cassie’s wearing a matching pink button down shirt tucked into light washed jeans. Her signature gold chain is glistening against her skin. You’re also wearing a silver necklace with a heart charm at the end that Cassie gifted you on your first anniversary. It made her smile when she saw it on you.

As guests begin to trickle in, you and Cassie greet everyone. Once everyone is here, your sister explains some games she planned. The first one is guessing how big your baby bump is.

You tied a ribbon around your stomach and cut it to the circumference of your bump. Everyone else has to cut a ribbon to the length they think is the correct size of your belly. Cassie and you sit back and watch as the guests try and figure it out.

“That’s way too big, Huckleberry,” you hear Trinity say as she grabs a grape off of the fruit plate on the coffee table.

“Well, I don’t know,” he replies to her, playfully annoyed and a bit sheepish.

“I’m probably so off,” Victoria says as she cuts the ribbon to her best guess.

Cassie’s dad is participating too. He keeps glancing at your belly and then back to the ribbon, trying to approximate how big it is.

“Dad, you’re not going to be able to get the exact measurement by staring at her belly.”

“This dress is a bit loose,” you add.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Neil looks at your bump one final time before finally cutting the ribbon. “I think I’m pretty damn close,” he says as he pushes his glasses up onto his nose.

Cassie chuckles and shakes her head. “We’ll see.”

When everyone is finished, your sister measures each person’s ribbon to compare it to yours which is 18.2 inches. You sit back in a living room chair, Cassie sitting on the arm with an arm around you, and rubs your stomach as you learn everyone’s guesses.

“I’m in the lead right now,” Trinity says with a smug smile. “19 inches.”

“Not anymore,” your sister says as she finishes measuring Dana’s.

“What?!”

One corner of Dana’s mouth rises, a smirk forming. “18.4 inches. After having four kids come outta me, I think I can make a pretty good guess.”

Dana remains in the lead as your sister continues checking everyone’s measurements. She finished with Neil.

“18.6 inches,” your sister announces.

“Ha!” Neil exclaims. He points a finger at his daughter. “I told you I would get close.”

Cassie chuckles and squeezes your shoulder. “Second place isn’t too bad.”

You flash him a playful grin. “I always believed in you, Neil.”

“And that’s why you’re my favorite daughter,” he teases.

Cassie puts a hand over her chest, feigning offensiveness. “How rude.”

Neil chuckles, and you giggle which breaks Cassie’s charade. She kisses the top of your head and laughs, hiding her face in your hair.

Your sister gives Dana the prize she won for this game, an essential oil diffuser. She then preps for the next game which is guessing baby food flavors. As she does so, the rest of the party chats.

“After games are you going to open gifts?” Victoria says excitedly. You’re pretty sure her gift is the presentable one in a big purple bag with star tissue paper.

“Yes,” you answer. “Thank you all in advance for whatever you got me.”

“We appreciate it,” Cassie adds on with a grateful smile.

“Since I already bought you a lot of baby stuff, the gift I brought for you today is all for you,” your mom tells you. She takes a sip of sparkling cider before continuing. “Mom deserves to be spoiled too.”

“Amen,” Dana says.

“Aww, thank you, mama.” You can feel yourself getting emotional. You’ve always been a sensitive person, but these pregnancy hormones have been amplifying it. “I can’t wait to open everything.”

Cassie plays with your hair with one hand and rubs your shoulder with the other. You lean your head against her, craving her comfort. In response, Cassie holds you to her even tighter.

“Stop being so fucking cute,” Trinity suddenly says as she watches you and Cassie. The affection between you two is so natural, sometimes you forget how other people may perceive it.

You and Cassie chuckle simultaneously. “What? I can’t pamper my pregnant wife?”

“You guys have always been like this,” Trinity replies to Cassie.

Dana crosses her arms with a teasing smile. “I swear you’re always touching.”

“Oh, for sure,” Samira adds, backing up Trinity and Dana.

One of your hands finds Cassie’s thigh while the other remains on your belly, rubbing circles on your bump. “You’re just going to have to deal with it,” you say through a laugh.

Trinity shakes her head with a growing smile. “I guess Cassie knocking you up only made it worse.”

Practically the whole room erupts in laughter, including you and Cassie. Cassie’s cackle seems to drown out everyone else’s laugh — at least in your ears.

“I never thought I’d live to see the day where a woman gets another woman pregnant,” Dana says before taking a sip of the sparkling cider in her hand.

“Cassie was very determined,” you joke.

She laughs, her face flushing a little. “Oh my god,” Cassie mutters.

A mischievous twinkle flashes through Trinity’s eyes. “Anything is possible with the power of strap.”

“That’s my daughter,” Neil says, shaking his head and raising his glass of sparkling cider up in the air before another round of laughter ripples through the room.

Once it settles, small talk and baby related questions start up again. As you converse, you continue to unconsciously rub your baby bump while Cassie rubs your arm.

“So do you have a name picked out yet?” Dana asks with a raised brow before popping a grape into her mouth.

You and Cassie exchange a look and fight back a smirk. She grabs your hand, lacing her fingers with yours. Then you turn back to Dana. “We have… options. You’re just going to have to wait and see.”

Last week, you guys were finally able to narrow it down to three babies names. Lorelai, Piper, and Cecilia. A big reason as to why these are the top choices is because of the nicknames that comes with each name. It would be so adorable to call your daughter Lori, Pipes, or Cece.

You and Cassie know that you’ll know your daughter’s name when the time is right.

April 21, 2025 — 38 weeks pregnant

“I want you out!”

Cassie laughs as she watches you yell at your bump. “I’m sorry, baby,” she tells you, genuinely sympathetic.

“My due date was three days ago, I’m so done,” you say with a groan.

You’re sitting at the table eating dinner. Cassie made pasta primavera, something quick and easy. Cassie takes a final bite of her food before standing up and walking over to you. She’s behind you now and starts rubbing your shoulders.

“You don’t have to do that,” you grumble. Since being pregnant, especially as far along as you are now, people have been treating you extra delicately. You don’t like feeling like they’re taking pity on you or that you can’t be independent.

But Cassie knows this.

“I want to. I used to do this before you were pregnant, remember?”

You sigh and nod, knowing that Cassie’s always pampered you. You finish eating as Cassie massages out some knots.

“Do you want me to take your plate for you, baby?” Cassie cautiously asks you.

“I got it, thanks.”

Cassie gives you space as you stand, although, still hovering. You grab onto the table while you slowly rise. When you’re up, you grab your plate along with Cassie’s and waddle over to the kitchen. You place the dishes in the sink and rinse them, but don’t load them.

Cassie gives a quick peck to your lips and tucks a strand of hair behind your ear. “How about you go rest while I clean up?”

You glare at her, but you’re too tired and big to argue. “Fine.”

Cassie ignores your pout and kisses you again. She swaps spots with you at the sink and playfully swats your ass as you walk away. While Cassie cleans up dinner, you waddle over to the couch since it’s closer than your bedroom.

You sit down and grab the book you’re reading from the coffee table. You then prop your feet up on the coffee table and lean back into the couch. You’ve only been reading for a minute when you feel the need to pee.

“Damn you, baby,” you grumble to yourself.

With a sigh, you insert your bookmark and set the book down. Then, you stand up slowly. As you walk to the bathroom, you keep a hand on your stomach and another on your back, providing support.

But then you suddenly feel wetness between yours legs and hear a splash against the tile.

Cassie comes out, having just finished the dishes and putting the food away. She covers her mouth with her hands.

“Oh my god,” you say, ready to cry. “There is no fucking way I just peed myself.”

“Baby…” Cassie says as she walks over to you. “I don’t think you did. Your water just broke.”

Your eyes snap to Cassie’s “Oh, fuck.” You look down at the ground, and then back to Cassie. “Oh, fuck,” you say again, this time louder as reality sets in.

You begin panicking, and Cassie can see the worry written in your eyes. She grabs onto your shoulders, gently holding you to ground you.

“Look at me.”

Your eyes keep looking every which way, trying to figure out what to do next. Should you clean up first? Head to the hospital? Lay down? Oh, god, what if you faint?

“Baby. Look at me,” Cassie says, this time firmer and more commanding.

You do.

“Sit down and I’m going to get your go bag, okay?” She kisses the top of your head. Cassie then wraps an arm around your waist and guides to do the nearest chair. “I’m going to grab you a change of clothes too. You just wait here.”

“Okay,” you reply, your voice weak.

You close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. You’re not sure how Cassie is able to be this calm.

Except, she’s not, she’s just good at hiding it from you.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Cassie mutters under her breath as she rushes into your bedroom, her heart racing.

She grabs the go-bag from the corner, and then fishes out a change of clothes. Cassie grabs a fresh pair of underwear, one she knows is your most comfortable, your favorite maternity leggings, and a t-shirt. She goes through a mental checklist of everything you guys need before returning to you.

Cassie helps you change, gently walking you through everything. “Arms up, baby.”

You’re trembling slightly, but you feel a little better once you have a clean change of clothes — just a little. Cassie then helps you stand. She has the go-bag on her shoulder, and grabs both of your water bottles, her keys, and finally your hand.

“Ready to go?”

You nod, scared shitless. Seeing your worried expression, Cassie gives your hand a reassuring squeeze followed by a kiss to your knuckles.

“You got your wish, she’s finally coming out,” Cassie attempts to joke.

Shakily, you let out a half laugh, half sigh. “Apparently so.”

“We’re gonna be okay.”

You turn to Cassie. Her eyes are filled with love, and she has the softest smile painted on her face. Suddenly, everything feels like it’s going be fine. Your worries start to melt away as you stare deeply into Cassie’s calming eyes.

“Okay,” you whisper. You take a deep breath and squeeze Cassie’s hand. “Let’s go have a baby.”

May 2, 2025 — one week postpartum

You are so grateful that both you and Cassie were able to get maternity leave. It’s not as long as you would like, but you have two months, and since Cassie doesn’t have to physically recover, she’s going back three weeks before you. The thought of having to schedule in pumping at work and being without your baby for a full work day is too overwhelming to think of right now.

In the meantime, you’re trying to focus on the now — not stress about the future and things out of your control. Time already feels like it’s slipping away. It’s only been a week since you gave birth to Piper, and she’s already grown so much.

“My babies,” Cassie whispers with an affectionate smile.

You’re sitting in the rocking chair in the corner of your bedroom with Piper in your arms. She’s almost done nursing. You’ve only been breastfeeding for a week now and your nipples are already cracked and sore. And your as for your boobs, they’re three cup sizes bigger and aching 24/7.

You look up at Cassie with a soft yet tired smile. “Hi.”

“I brought you some tea,” Cassie tells you, holding up your favorite mug. She sets it on the side table to the right of the rocking chair. “Do you need anything else?”

“Thank you, Cass. I’m good.”

“Okay.” Cassie crouches down in front of you and rests her hands on your knees. Her thumbs draw gentle circles on your skin. “How are you feeling tonight?”

“I’m fine, just really tired.”

Cassie nods and glances from you to Piper. “She’s getting sleepy,” Cassie notes.

“Mhm.”

Piper nurses for a few more seconds before passing out in your arms. You rub your thumb along her side, admiring your little creation. Piper’s tiny tongue darts out past her lips for a moment. She’s just the cutest baby you’ve ever seen.

“Do you want me to take her so you can shower, baby?”

You look to Cassie and nod before looking back to Piper. “Yeah,” you whisper.

Carefully, you hand Piper to Cassie. You wish you could hold your baby in your arms forever, but you know you have to take care of yourself too, and that she has another mommy who loves her just as much.

“Hi, my baby,” Cassie coos as she takes Piper from you. “You’re just a sleepy little girl. Yes, you are.”

You smile at your girls as you stand up. Cassie lightly bounces Piper in her arms, enough to soothe her but not to wake her. Piper’s tiny hand grips Cassie’s shirt which melts your heart. You kiss Piper’s head and then Cassie’s cheek before walking away to the bathroom.

But before you get very far, Cassie says your name, stopping you. “Come here.”

You take a couple steps back. “Yeah?”

Cassie smiles at you, and then leans down, pressing her lips against yours. You grab into her bicep as she kisses you. When she breaks the kiss, your face is only a few inches away from Cassie’s.

“I love you.”

“I love you too,” you reply before giving Cassie another quick kiss.

“Now, go shower, baby.”

You nod and squeeze Cassie’s bicep. “Mkay.” Before you go, you kiss Piper’s head again, her newborn baby smell intoxicating. “Bye bye, Pipes.”

Then, you go to the bathroom and take a quick shower. Your last shower was more than 24 hours ago, so make sure to wash yourself well. If you weren’t so tired, you would’ve stayed in longer.

When you get out, you comb your hair and throw it into a quick braid. This way it won’t be in the way while you hold and nurse Piper, and you won’t have to do anything to make your hair look nice — when you take the braid out, your hair will be crimped.

You come back into your bedroom wrapped up your towel for warmth. You spot Cassie rocking Piper in her arms, about to set her in her crib you guys have in your bedroom. There’s another crib in the nursery, but both you and Cassie prefer to have Piper sleep in the same room as you two. It doesn’t just put your mind at ease, but it’s more practical too.

As quiet as possible, you slip into a pair of loose pajama pants and a comfortable nursing t-shirt. There’s slits over your breasts to make it easy to breastfeed. It was one of your gifts from your baby shower, and it’s been making nursing — especially midnight nursing — so much easier. You’re pretty sure it was gifted to you by Al-Hashimi, but your brain has been so busy and foggy lately, you can’t remember for sure.

You had just finished putting your shirt on when you feel Cassie’s arms wrap around your waist. She presses kisses along your shoulder up to your neck until she reaches your cheek.

“You wanna go to bed?” Cassie murmurs against your skin.

You turn around in Cassie’s arms and put yours around her neck while hers settle around your waist. “Yeah,” you whisper before kissing Cassie.

Cassie rubs your hips and lower back, her touch comforting and tender. As the kiss breaks, she gives your waist an affectionate squeeze before letting go. “C’mon,” Cassie tells you as she grabs your wrist and brings you to the bed.

All of a sudden, there’s a soft knock on your bedroom door. Cassie lets go of your wrist and looks at you. She nods to the bed with a small smile, silently telling you to get comfortable while she opens the door.

You climb into bed while Cassie answers the door. She opens it, light from the hallway peering in. “Yeah, buddy?” Cassie asks Harrison.

“I just wanted to see the baby.”

Cassie smiles at her son and ruffles his hair. “She’s sleeping so just be quiet, okay,” Cassie tells Harrison as she opens the door wider so he can walk through.

Harrison speed walks over to the bassinet and peaks at his baby sister. She’s wearing a onesie be picked out. It’s sage green, Harrison’s favorite color, and says little sister on it in white text.

“Aww look at how she’s sleeping.”

Cassie walks over to Harrison and slides her hands into her sweatpants pockets. “You used to sleep curled up like that too.”

“Really?” Harrison asks.

“Yup. It’s crazy that you were once as little as Piper.”

“And it’s crazy Piper will one day be as big as you are now,” you chime in from the bed.

“But then that means I’ll be old!”

You and Cassie both laugh quietly at Harrison’s comment. “Relax, bud, you’re only going to be 23 when Piper’s your age,” you reply.

“Yeah, and that’s old.”

Cassie pulls one hand out from her pocket and rubs Harrison’s back. “It’s really not though. You’ll be old when you’re my age.”

Harrison turns to his mom and raises his eyebrows sassily. “You’re only saying that because you’re super old.”

A laugh escapes you, and you bring a hand over your mouth to muffle it. Cassie smiles and shakes her head at you and Harrison. “Hey, I’m not a grandma at least,” Cassie says as she tugs Harrison to her side.

“I’ll get right on that,” Harrison jokes. “Then you’ll feel really, really old.”

“I have a wife and newborn to keep me young. And you’re not having a kid anytime soon,” Cassie teases back before kissing the top of Harrison’s head. “Did you brush your teeth already?”

Harrison rolls his eyes. “Yes, mom.”

“Don’t be giving me attitude,” Cassie says through a chuckle. “I’m letting you stay up until 9:30, but no screens past 8:30.”

You grab your phone and check the time. “It’s 8:40 right now,” you tell them.

“So you can read or build Lego’s or something until then.”

“But mom—”

“Bupbupbup, do you want to go to bed at 9:00 like usual?”

“Fine,” Harrison grumbles. “See you in the morning.”

He pulls his mom into a hug, and Cassie kisses his forehead as he pulls back. Harrison then looks at Piper once again. He gently boops her nose, and then leaves your bedroom.

A soft yawn falls from your mouth as Cassie approaches the bed. She climbs in onto her side, and instantly wraps her arms around you, pulling you to her. Cassie’s front is flush against your back, and she rests a hand on your stomach. It’s definitely decreased in size since giving birth, but it’s nowhere near your normal. Cassie lazily traces lines and circles on your loose skin there.

“I love seeing Harrison be a big brother,” Cassie admits.

“Me too. He’s the sweetest boy.”

Smiling into your hair, Cassie hums in agreement. “I’m lucky to have him.” She then presses a kiss to your temple. “And Piper.” She gives you another kiss, but this time on your cheek. “And you.”

With a soft smile, you close your eyes. “I’m lucky that I have you all too.”

“I love you,” Cassie whispers before shutting her own eyes.

“I love you too.”

Then, your body becomes heavier with sleep. It doesn’t take too long until you start to drift off. Within 10 minutes, you’re fast asleep. Cassie protectively holds you to her and keeps soothingly drawing lazy shapes on your belly as you rest.

May 30, 2025 — one month

Piper’s already a month old.

It feels like just yesterday that you were pregnant. Now, you have a baby who’s coming out of the newborn stage. Life just feels so unreal — good, but unreal.

There’s been a learning period, one you’re still in, but you’ve been getting a hang of things. Since Cassie’s already been through this, she’s been a huge help. Although, she is still learning with you since it’s been a while and it’s a new experience for her. Cassie is a mom to a new baby, but this time she didn’t give birth.

When it comes to nursing, your goal is to breastfeed for at least two years. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s better for the baby. Your milk is nutritional, provides antibodies, and it’s a bonding experience for you and Piper.

With Harrison, Cassie barely managed to breastfeed for 14 months. Like you, she wanted to go longer, but life was hard and breastfeeding is difficult. Cassie is supportive of your breastfeeding plan, and she supports whatever pathway you will end up taking.

Today, Cassie wanted to take you out. It’s hard to go places with a newborn, so she wanted something simple. Since Harrison is here this week, him, you, Cassie, and Piper are all going out to lunch.

You’re walking up to one of your favorite cafes. Cassie has the diaper bag while you hold Piper. As you walk, Cassie keeps a hand on your lower back. Harrison is on Cassie’s other side, happily skipping.

When you enter the restaurant, you learn that there’s a 5-10 minute wait. You, Cassie, and Harrison sit on an indoor cushioned bench while you wait for a table.

“Can I hold her?” Harrison eagerly asks with an adorable smile.

“Yeah, bud.” You lift Piper then. “Do you wanna go see your big brother?” you coo.

Carefully, you hand Piper to Harrison. He sets her on his lap and supports her properly. Already, this kid knew what he was doing. He keeps an arm around Piper while is other hand plays with Piper’s. She wraps her tiny hand around one of Harrison’s fingers.

“Look!” Harrison excitedly tells you and Cassie, turning to look at you both.

You extend a hand and tickle Piper’s stomach. “She loves her big brother,” you say in a baby voice. “Yes, you do.”

Cassie smiles and pulls her phone out. “You’re such a good brother, bud.” She then snaps a picture of Piper on Harrison’s lap grabbing one of his fingers.

It doesn’t take very long until a table is ready. Cassie takes Piper from Harrison as you follow a hostess to a table. You’re seated at a half booth, half normal table. You and Cassie slide into the booth while Harrison sits across from you in a chair.

You order drinks, and then look at the menu. You were already pretty sure of what you were going to get, but you decide to refresh your memory on the menu anyways. Harrison decides on a personalized mini pizza — not surprising to you and Cassie in the slightest.

The waitress eventually comes back to take your orders. Once she leaves, Piper starts to whine in Cassie’s arms. Cassie bounces her and coos sympathetically.

“What’s wrong, sweet girl?” Piper grabs Cassie’s hair, tugging on the auburn strand. “Are you hungry? Is that it?”

You take Piper from Cassie while Cassie opens up the diaper bag. She pulls out a nursing blanket to cover you. Cassie makes sure you’re comfortable, and then you begin to feed Piper.

But five minutes in, a bald white man who appears to be in his 50’s leaves his table of two other men that are likely his sons. He approaches you and your family.

“Hi. You shouldn’t be… breastfeeding in public,” the man says, the word breastfeeding coming out hesitantly like a dirty word.

“I’m feeding my kid,” you reply.

“We’re trying to eat lunch here. This is a restaurant,” the man says firmly yet there’s some nerves behind his voice.

Cassie looks up at the man with a blank stare. “You’re correct, this is a lunch place. My baby’s having lunch.” She leans forward slightly. “Is that a problem?”

“We don’t wanna see that,” he says as he gestures to you and Piper.

Harrison turns around to look at the man. He stares at him for a few moments, completely dumbfounded. “Then don’t look,” Harrison says with a little bit of attitude like the solution is that obvious.

“What my son said,” Cassie tells the man proudly. “Stop looking at my wife. Problem solved. My baby’s just trying to eat, same as you.”

Just then, your waitress appears with your food. She starts to sets the plates down as she examines the situation. “Is there a problem here, sir?”

“I-we don’t want to see this,” he says, motioning to you and Piper again.

You exchange a knowing look with the waitress as she sets your food in front of you. “Sir, she’s just feeding her baby. She’s covered, there’s not an issue here.”

“They’re not going to get kicked out over this?” The man scoffs and shakes his head. “Back in my day this was unacceptable.”

“We’re not in your day, old man.”

You nearly choke on the water you were sipping as Harrison says that. Cassie brings a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. The waitress even suppresses a smile.

“If anything, you’re the one who’s going to be asked to leave. You’re disturbing these customers, and frankly, it could count as harassment. I recommend going back to your table and enjoying your lunch quietly unless you want to be removed.”

The man’s chest rises and falls in anger. He stays standing there, not speaking. When he finally does, he attempts to make his voice as even as possible, but you can hear the frustration seeping through.

“Fine. Enjoy your lunch.”

After the man walks away, you look at your amazing waitress. “Thank you.”

“No problem.”

“That was really cool of you,” Cassie adds.

The waitress smiles and gives you both an appreciative nod. “Is there anything else I can get you?” You, Cassie, and Harrison all shake your head. “Okay. I’m going to bring you guys a slice of pie. On the house.”

“You don’t have to do that—”

“Why are you turning down free dessert?” Harrison exclaims, cutting you off.

Cassie chuckles and looks to the waitress. “That would great, thank you.” She smiles before walking back to the kitchen.

After Piper finishes feeding, Cassie takes her from you so you can finish eating. The waitress comes back with a huge slice of lemon meringue pie and three forks just as you finish your meal. You, Cassie, and Harrison dig in while Piper falls asleep on Cassie’s free arm.

April 21, 2026 — one year

Piper’s first birthday is approaching, and you can’t believe you almost have a one year old. The last two years have been surreal — your IVF journey, pregnancy, and having a baby all feel so long ago yet just like it was yesterday.

For your daughter’s birthday, you and Cassie decided to throw a small party with close friends and family. It was more so for you guys than Piper since Piper won’t even remember her first birthday. The party is tomorrow, and you’re emotional over it.

Piper took her first steps a couple days ago, so you’re in the living room encouraging her to do it again when you hear the doorbell. Neil is coming over to pick Harrison up to go see a movie. You stand and swoop Piper up, pretending like she’s a plane which makes her giggle. Piper’s on your hip as you answer the door.

You greet Neil with a warm smile. “Hey.”

“Hi, sweetie.” He steps inside and kisses the top of your head. Then, he puts his attention on Piper. “How’s my only granddaughter doing?” Neil asks, you’re already handing Piper to him.

Neil blows bubbles into her stomach, making her laugh. You’ll never get tired of hearing your baby’s sweet giggles. While Piper may not have Cassie’s genes, she somehow inherited her endearing cackle.

“Dad!” Cassie says as she enters the living room. She walks up to your side. “I would hug you, but you want to hug my kid more.”

He chuckles, his eyes still on Piper. “She’s just too cute. You’ve grown out of it,” Neil jokes as he makes silly faces at Piper.

You grab onto Cassie’s arm, holding her to your side. “I don’t know about that, Cassie’s still pretty cute.”

She looks at you only to find you already staring at her with a fond smile. Cassie chuckles and leans down to kiss you. When she pulls back, you kiss her nose before turning back to Neil and Piper.

“But there’s something about baby cute that can’t be topped,” you coo as you boop Piper’s nose.

As you make contact with Piper, she reaches towards you. Neil laughs and shake his head, handing her back to you.

“Mom beats grandpa I suppose,” Neil jokes as he goes to pull Cassie into a hug.

Then, Harrison comes running in. “Grandpa!” He practically pushes Cassie out of the way to hug Neil.

Immediately, Neil’s arms wrap around Harrison. “Hey, Harry. You’re getting tall.”

“I don’t like it,” you say with a chuckle.

Cassie ruffles Harrison’s hair as she says, “I’m not ready for him to be taller than me.”

Piper reaches over and grabs Cassie’s hair, gently tugging. You laugh and kiss Piper’s cheek. “You wanna go to your mama?”

“C’mere, baby.” Cassie takes Piper from you, and Piper lays her head on Cassie’s chest almost instantly.

Piper then reaches for you again, extending an arm in your direction. “Mommy,” she babbles, a slight whine to her voice.

You take Piper’s hand as Cassie holds Piper to her chest. “I’m right here, Pipes.”

Cassie rocks Piper back and forth as she continues to grip onto your hand. Harrison puts on his shoes on to leave for the movie with Neil. Before they go, Neil pets Piper’s head and kisses her cheek.

“Can you say buh-bye?” Cassie asks as she gives a small wave to her dad.

Piper waves and a small smile grows on her face. “Bye-bye, Grampy.”

Your heart melts at that. Instinctively, you lean your head on Cassie’s shoulder. All of you say your goodbyes, and then the boys leave.

“Nap time,” Cassie says.

Piper whines in protest. Cassie rubs her back and soothingly shushes her. “We’re gonna take a nap,” she tells Piper softly.

“Rude,” she babbles. Most people wouldn’t be able to make out what Piper said, but you and Cassie can since you’re her moms.

You’re not sure where she got it from, but Piper’s favorite word is “rude.” She says it whenever she’s annoyed or upset. Piper may only say it when she’s irritated, it’s absolutely adorable to you and Cassie.

You and Cassie head to the nursery. Cassie places Piper in her crib while you turn on white noise and the baby monitor. Then, you walk over to the crib where your girls are. Piper’s annoyed, but you can tell she’s tired and will be out like a light soon.

Cassie wraps an arm around your side, her hand resting on your waist. She kisses you for a few moments, and you smile against her addicting lips.

“My mommy,” Piper suddenly says.

You and Cassie both laugh softly. “My mommy,” Cassie teases back, then pressing a long kiss to your cheek.

“Close your eyes, Pipes.” You reach down in the crib and place a hand on Piper’s stomach, your touch gentle and comforting. Then, Cassie pulls a lightweight blanket over Piper.

You’re surprised by how quick she’s able to go to sleep. Piper is teething, and her seventh tooth is growing in. A few minutes pass of you and Cassie watching Piper, and then you two leave the nursery.

You’re about to go back to the living room when Cassie grabs your hand. You look at her and see a playful look on her face. You smile, knowing Cassie’s up to something.

“Yes?”

“Come here,” she says as she pulls you to the bedroom.

At first you think it’s for sex, but Cassie goes to her nightstand and pulls out something from her bottom drawer — not a strap or some other sex toy. Instead, it’s a thick, bulky book.

“Here, baby.”

You take the book from Cassie. When you look down at the cover, it reads One Year of Piper Carson McKay. Carson was your and Cassie’s top pick for a boy name, and since it’s fairly gender neutral, that’s what you chose for Piper’s middle name.

“It’s a scrapbook,” Cassie says with a shrug like it’s no big deal.

Your fingers trace the cover image. It’s a picture of Piper from the day you took her home. She’s wearing a onesie your mom bought, and she has the tiniest smile.

“Piper doesn’t need any gifts right now, so this is your gift for her first birthday.”

Tears begin to pool in your eyes. You sit at the edge of the bed and open the book. The first page is about pregnancy. There’s a photo of the four pregnancy tests you took. There’s also a mirror picture you took of you and Cassie from when you were about two months pregnant. She’s behind you, her hands over your small baby bump.

“Cassie…”

A single tear rolls down your cheek.

“Aww, don’t cry, baby.” Cassie wipes the tear away with her knuckles, gently caressing your skin.

“Thank you, Cass.”

She rests her head against yours. “You’re welcome. I hope you like it.”

“I love it,” you reply immediately.

“I’m glad.”

Cassie looks at the scrapbook with you. You’re slow about turning pages, wanting to take in every details. Cassie made a whole page dedicated to outfits you put together for Piper, all of your personal favorites included.

Your daughter is one tomorrow. One.

Flipping through the memories of this last year is bittersweet. You’re sad that it went by so fast, but you’re excited for the future.

And you’re so glad it’s with Cassie.

You’ve built a family with her.

Just you, Cassie, Harrison, and Piper — your whole world.