ever since you found out you and jake were expecting, you’d been living in oversized hoodies and stretchy sweatpants. it wasn’t that you weren’t excited — oh, you were — but the reality of your changing body felt overwhelming at times. baggy clothes were your safety net, a quiet way to process the little miracle growing inside you.

one lazy afternoon, while jake was out grabbing groceries, curiosity got the best of you. you rifled through the closet and pulled out a summer dress, one you hadn’t worn since before the pregnancy. slipping them on, you walked to the mirror, eyes widening at the sight. your belly, round and undeniably there, peeked through the soft fabric. it was the first time you truly saw yourself this way. a hand instinctively cradled your bump, and you felt a flicker of warmth and pride.

you didn’t hear jake come in until his voice broke the silence. “babe?” he called out.

you turned around slowly, caught off guard. his eyes landed on you, and for a moment, he just stared, mouth slightly open. then, in an instant, his face lit up. “oh my god, you’re-” he rushed over, dropping the grocery bags by the door without a second thought. his hands found your belly, wide eyes glancing between you and the life growing inside you. “you’re showing,” he breathed, awe coating every word.

you couldn’t help but laugh softly at his reaction, cheeks warming. “yeah, i guess i am.”

“you’re incredible,” he murmured, kneeling to press a gentle kiss to your bump. “both of you are.” when he stood back up, his arms wrapped around you, pulling you close. “can you wear this all the time now?” he teased, though his voice cracked slightly, as if overwhelmed by the moment.

you rolled your eyes playfully, but your heart melted. “we’ll see,” you said, resting your head against his chest, feeling more loved than ever.