You woke up to the soft rustling of sheets, a tiny giggle bubbling beside you. Before you could open your eyes, you felt the weight of your daughter, Lily, crawling across the bed, her little hands patting your face with clumsy affection.

“Mamaaa,” she mumbled in her sleepy voice.

Your eyes fluttered open, and there she was—her wild brown curls sticking up in every direction, cheeks still warm from sleep, and the purest grin stretched across her face. And behind her, standing in the doorway, was Rafe. He leaned against the frame with a boyish smirk and a small bouquet of wildflowers clutched in one hand.

“Happy Mother’s Day,” he said, stepping closer. His voice was quieter than usual—gentle, almost reverent.

You sat up slowly, brushing a strand of hair from Lily’s face as Rafe placed the flowers in your lap. “She picked these herself,” he added with a proud grin.

You smiled at him, overwhelmed by the tenderness in the room. “She picked weeds.”

He chuckled and kissed your forehead. “She picked love.”

Rafe scooped Lily up, lifting her into the air as she squealed in delight. “Alright, baby girl, let’s show Mommy the rest.” He looked back at you. “Put something cozy on, yeah? We’re takin’ a little trip.”

Confused but curious, you got dressed and followed them out to the truck. Rafe wouldn’t tell you where you were going—just kept holding your hand across the console, thumb brushing slow circles on your skin while Lily babbled in the backseat.

About fifteen minutes later, he pulled off the road into a quiet clearing by the water. It wasn’t just any spot—it was your spot. The first place he’d ever told you he loved you. The place he asked you to be his. Now, it was transformed.

A blanket was spread out with breakfast already laid out—croissants, strawberries, orange juice. A speaker quietly played music. In the center was a small scrapbook. You looked up at him.

“You made this?”

He nodded. “Well, Lily helped,” he smirked, lifting her tiny hand to wave. “It’s all your firsts this year as a mom. First bottle. First all-nighter. First time you made her laugh. And…” He flipped to the last page.

It was a photo of the three of you—Lily asleep on your chest, Rafe kissing your temple.

You felt tears prick your eyes.

“You’ve given me everything,” he said quietly, kneeling in front of you. “You’ve given her everything. You’re not just the love of my life, you’re the mother of my daughter. And today, you deserve the world.”

He pulled out a delicate necklace—gold, with a small “L” charm. “For Lily,” he whispered, clasping it around your neck.

Lily reached for your cheeks then, her little hands smudging your tears.

You laughed through it. “My girls,” Rafe said, pulling you both in.

And in that perfect silence, wrapped in the golden morning light, you felt it: love. Raw, quiet, and powerful. You didn’t need anything more than this. Your family. Your forever.