The ache in your lower back felt relentless, and as you leaned against the kitchen counter, you let out a small groan while pressing a hand to the base of your spine. Between the weight of your very active little one and the long day, you were starting to wonder how much longer you could stay on your feet.

The sound of Kevin’s boots coming through the door didn’t register right away, your focus on the pressure building in your hips. He’d texted earlier to say he was on his way home, but with the baby brain fog and your exhaustion, you’d already lost track of time.

You jumped slightly when a familiar set of strong arms came around you from behind, pulling you back into a wall of warmth and strength.

“Kev—”

“Relax, baby,” he murmured in that soft, reassuring tone of his. His lips brushed your temple as he adjusted his hold, one large hand slipping under your swollen belly while the other curved protectively around your side. Then, with ease, he lifted your stomach just enough to take the weight off your body.

Your whole body sighed in relief as the pressure instantly eased. “Oh my God,” you exhaled, tilting your head back to rest against his chest. “I love you so much right now.”

He chuckled, the sound rumbling low in his chest. “I love you, too. You looked like you needed a little help.”

“A little?” You laughed softly, covering his hand with yours as you marveled at how easily he held you and your little one. “I don’t know how you knew, but don’t move. Just—stay like this forever.”

Kevin pressed a lingering kiss to the side of your face. “Anything for my girls.”

You couldn’t help the smile spreading across your lips. “You sure about that? ‘Cause you’re about to have to carry me everywhere at this rate.”

“Done.” He grinned, giving your belly a gentle pat. “I told you when we got married, I got you. Always.”

And as he continued to hold you there, his presence grounding you and his strength supporting you, you felt a deep wave of love for the man who never hesitated to take care of you—no matter what.

Kevin shifted slightly, adjusting his stance to hold you more comfortably. “You know,” he mused, his voice a warm hum against your ear, “I kinda like this. You leaning on me, lettin’ me take care of you.”

You sighed, letting yourself sink further into his hold. “I know you do,” you admitted. “And I love you for it. But I hate feeling like I can’t do everything I normally do.”

Kevin huffed a soft laugh, his hand smoothing slow circles over your belly. “Baby, you’re growin’ a whole human. That is doin’ everything. Probably more than you should be.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t argue. He wasn’t wrong. Still, you’d always been independent—handling things on your own, rarely asking for help. But Kevin saw right through you and knew when to step in without making you feel like you were incapable.

“C’mon,” he coaxed, gently turning you in his arms so you were facing him. “Let’s get you off your feet.”

You started to protest, but Kevin cut you off with a knowing look. “Don’t even try it. You need to sit down, and I need to put my hands on you. Been thinking about you all day.”

Your lips parted, heat creeping up your neck. “That right?”

“Mm-hmm.” He grinned, dipping his head to steal a lingering kiss. “Now, are you gonna let me take care of you, or am I gonna have to throw you over my shoulder?”

You smirked, tilting your head up to him. “You wouldn’t.”

Kevin arched a brow, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. “Oh, you know I would.”

You scoffed, folding your arms. “Kevin, I’m pregnant. You are not throwing me anywhere.”

He chuckled, leaning in to kiss the tip of your nose. “Alright, alright. No throwin’. But I am gettin’ you off your feet.”

Before you could argue, he bent down and slid his arms under you with ease, lifting you into a careful cradle against his chest. “That better?” he murmured, pressing a kiss to your forehead as he carried you to the couch.

You sighed, melting into his warmth. “Yeah… that’s better.”

“That’s what I thought.” He grinned, easing you down gently before kneeling in front of you. His large hands found your legs, thumbs pressing into your aching calves. “Now just sit back and relax, baby. I got all night.”

And as Kevin massaged away the tension, whispering sweet reassurances against your skin, you realized something—letting him take care of you wasn’t weakness. It was love. And damn, you’d never felt more cherished.

Kevin’s fingers worked their magic, kneading away the tension in your legs with slow, deliberate strokes. Your eyelids fluttered, a soft hum of appreciation slipping from your lips as you melted into the couch.

“You keep doin’ that, and I might just fall asleep right here,” you murmured, voice thick with exhaustion.

Kevin chuckled, his thumbs pressing into a particularly sore spot. “That’s the goal, mamas. You need to rest.”

You peeked at him through heavy lashes, catching the way his gaze softened as he looked up at you. There was something else there, something deeper behind the tenderness in his touch.

“What?” you asked, tilting your head.

Kevin hesitated for a beat, then exhaled, his hands stilling against your legs. “Just thinkin’.”

You nudged him with your knee. “’Bout what?”

His lips quirked, but his eyes held something more serious now. “’Bout how we got here. Feels like just yesterday we were talkin’ about maybe tryin’ for a baby, and now…” His hands moved to your belly, warm and steady. “Now we’re weeks away from meetin’ our little girl.”

Your heart swelled at the wonder in his voice. “Crazy, huh?”

Kevin nodded, and then his expression turned thoughtful. “You ever think about what she’s gonna be like?”

A smile tugged at your lips as you rested a hand over his. “All the time.”

“Yeah?” He grinned. “What do you see?”

You sighed dreamily, letting your head fall back against the couch. “She’s got your eyes, no question. That deep brown, the kind that can say a million things without a single word.”

Kevin’s fingers flexed against your belly, and you swore you felt the baby shift in response.

“She’s got your smile too,” you continued, tracing absent patterns over the back of his hand. “That one that makes people feel safe. Loved.”

Kevin shook his head, a soft chuckle escaping him. “I love that,” he admitted, his voice thick with emotion. “But if I’m bein’ honest… I’d love for her to look just like you.”

Your brows lifted in surprise. “Yeah?”

“Hell yeah.” His gaze locked onto yours, his grip on your belly tightening just slightly as if he were holding onto something sacred. “I mean, don’t get me wrong—I’d be proud if she had a little of me in her. But you?” His thumb brushed along your knuckles, his expression turning reverent. “You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever known. Inside and out.”

Your breath hitched.

“I want her to have your smile,” he continued, his voice deep and certain. “The one that lights up a whole damn room before you even say a word. I want her to have your laugh—’cause it’s my favorite sound in the world.”

A lump formed in your throat and Kevin wasn’t done.

“And if she’s got your heart? If she’s got even half of your kindness, your strength, your fire?” He exhaled, shaking his head as if the thought alone humbled him. “Then she’s already gonna be the luckiest little girl in the world.”

Tears pricked your eyes, and you let out a shaky breath. “Kevin…”

He leaned in, resting his forehead against yours, his hand still cradling your belly. “I mean it, baby,” he murmured, his lips brushing against yours. “I love you. And I love her already. But if she comes out lookin’ just like her mama?” He grinned. “That’s a win in my book.”

Your heart clenched, full to bursting.

You swallowed thickly, shaking your head with a watery laugh. “You just want me to cry, huh?”

Kevin chuckled, brushing his thumb under your eye before you could blink away the emotion. “Nah, I just want you to know how much I love you. How much I love our little family.”

And in that moment, with his hands on you, his love wrapped around you, you knew—this was home.

Wasn't this the cutest ish ever!? "God, it's me again," *points at fic* "I want one." I hope you enjoyed some domestic Zaddy Atwater💓. Comments and reblogs are appreciated.

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