The warm glow of candles fills the cozy dining room as you and Mattheo sit across from each other, the night outside alive with the sounds of mid-July. It’s your first anniversary, and despite everything, you’ve both made it here, together, stronger than ever.

Mattheo lifts his glass. “To us,” he says, his dark eyes sparkling as they meet yours.

“To us,” you echo, smiling back.

He takes a sip, and almost immediately, his expression shifts to one of mild confusion. Lowering the glass, he stares at the drink. “Is this… apple cider?”

You bite your lip, suppressing a laugh. “Yes.”

His brow furrows as he looks at you. “Why are we drinking apple cider and not champagne?”

You take a deep breath. “Because…” You pause for a moment, “I have to give up aIcohoI for a while.”

There’s a brief silence as he processes your words. Then, his eyes widen, and his jaw drops slightly. “Wait—are you saying…?”

You nod as your smile grows.

Mattheo’s face lights up, his grin brighter than you’ve ever seen. “You’re pregnant?”

Before you can respond, he’s out of his chair and pulling you into a deep kiss, his hands cupping your face. When he finally pulls back, he drops to his knees, pressing his face gently to your stomach.

“Hey, little one,” he murmurs. “It’s your dad. I know you’re tiny right now, but I want you to know I already love you more than anything. I promise I’ll be the best father. Better than mine ever was. I’ll tell you how much I love you every single day, for the rest of my life.”

You laugh softly, running your fingers through his hair. “Mattheo, it’s only been a few weeks. The baby can’t hear you yet.”

“I don’t care,” he says with a grin, looking up at you. “Not a day will go by where I won’t tell our child how much I love them.”

He stands, pulling you into his arms and holding you close. “And I love you,” he whispers. “You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted, and I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you never regret it.”