99| The Flower Shop Surprise

A few months later.

Sophie waddled into Miller's Flower Shop, her hands cradling her very pregnant belly.

The soft chime of the shop door startled Lily and Mia, who had been chatting by the counter.

Both women whipped around, jaws dropping in unison.

"What are you doing here, Sophie?!" Mia practically shrieked, her voice echoing through the shop. "You're almost due!"

Sophie rolled her eyes, groaning. "Wow. Thank you, Captain Obvious."

Lily smirked, crossing her arms. "Someone's cranky today."

Sophie glared, though it lacked any real heat. "Don't start with me, Lily."

Lily's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Does Ethan know you're here?"

"God, no." Sophie groaned, flopping dramatically into a chair near the counter. "Do you know how much he nags me?"

She rested a hand on her belly and sighed. "I just needed to escape for a bit and see you guys. I love you too much to stay cooped up at home."

Lily raised an eyebrow. "You know he's going to freak out when he finds out, right?"

"Exactly why I didn't tell him." Sophie plopped her chin into her hand. "I would've gone to Mom's, but she's out to lunch with Evelyn. And if I joined, they'd spend the whole afternoon cuddling me like I'm some fragile antique vase."

"You are a fragile vase—with a baby inside," Lily quipped.

Sophie scoffed. "Come on, let me help with some flower arrangements."

Mia shook her head, trying not to smile. "Fine, fine. But spare us another speech about how 'amazing' Ethan is."

Sophie smirked, leaning back. "Why would I do that when it's all true?"

"Ugh." Lily groaned dramatically. "Some of us are trying to recover from heartbreak, you know."

Sophie gave her a pointed look. "You'll be fine, Lily. Maybe a break from dating is exactly what you need. Didn't you say you were thinking of traveling?"

Lily sighed, her bravado slipping slightly. "Yeah, I was. But my niece or nephew is coming soon. I'm not going anywhere until they know how much I love them."

Mia nudged her playfully. "Speaking of relationships..." She turned to Mia. "How's it going with that guy you've been seeing? Spill the tea!"

Mia's cheeks flushed pink. "It's been a while since I dated, but... I really like him." She smiled bashfully. "You might get wedding invitations sooner than you think."

Lily stared at her, unimpressed. "Mia. It's been a month."

"What? So you can be delusional, but I can't?" Mia shot back, grinning.

Lily scoffed. "When have I ever been delusional?"

Mia smirked. "Oh, don't think we've forgotten your David phase."

Lily threw up her hands. "Gosh, how long are you going to hold that over me? He was hot, okay? Still is hot. I was interested. Still interested. Nothing wrong with flirting."

"Flirting? Or being delusional?" Mia teased.

Their playful bickering faded into the background.

Sophie suddenly winced, her hand flying to her belly.

A strange tension crossed her face.

"Girls..." Sophie called softly, her voice uncertain.

Neither of them noticed.

They were too busy arguing.

"Girls!" Sophie's voice rose, panic creeping into her tone. "Please... call Ethan."

Both women froze.

Lily groaned, "We know you love your husband, but can you give it a rest for one—"

"No." Sophie cut her off, her voice shaky.

"Call him because my water just broke."

The room exploded into chaos.

"Oh my God!"

Lily shrieked, fumbling for her phone like it had suddenly turned into the slipperiest object on the planet.

"Okay, okay, breathe!" Mia commanded, already rushing to Sophie's side while frantically gathering a few scattered items from the shop.

"We've got this. Lily, did you call Ethan yet?"

"I'M CALLING!" Lily practically yelled, her voice pitching higher with panic.

Seconds later, she clutched her phone tight. "He's already on his way to the hospital! I told him we'd meet him there."

"Great, then let's GO!" Mia grabbed Sophie's bag as they helped her out the door and into the car.

Lily jumped into the back seat, gripping Sophie's hand like it was a lifeline.

Mia slid into the driver's seat, her knuckles turning white as she adjusted the mirrors.

Her face was set with grim determination.

"Lily, tell me where the hospital is!" Mia barked, glancing in the rearview mirror.

"You've been there a million times, Mia!" Lily snapped, twisting in her seat to check on Sophie.

"Just double-check me!" Mia shot back, her voice tight with tension.

Sophie let out a small laugh, even through the discomfort. "You two bicker more than an old married couple."

Lily ignored her, turning back to glare at Mia. "You're speeding. Slow down!"

"We don't have time to go slow, Lily!" Mia retorted, her grip tightening on the wheel.

"Well, at least I'm not the one who would've crashed us into a lamppost by now," Mia muttered under her breath.

Sophie chuckled softly, despite the pain. "Okay, she has a point."

"Fine, whatever," Lily grumbled, crossing her arms.

Somehow, by pure luck—or divine intervention—they made it there in one piece.

*******

Ethan reached the hospital just as Sophie was being wheeled into the delivery room.

His legs felt shaky, his chest heavy, but the moment he saw her, his heart found its rhythm again.

He rushed to her side, clasping her hand in his as if to anchor them both.

"I'm here," he whispered, his voice raw but gentle.

His thumb brushed over her knuckles, his touch both steadying and desperate.

"I'm right here, Sophie."

She turned her head slightly, her tired eyes finding his.

Despite the exhaustion etched into her face, she gave him a small smile—

The kind that always managed to undo him.

"I'm glad," she murmured, her words barely audible.

Then, softer still—

"Is Mom here yet?"

"They're on their way," Ethan said, his voice catching.

He leaned closer, brushing a strand of damp hair from her forehead.

"You're doing so well, Sophie."

His voice was low, soothing, reverent.

"You're incredible, and I'm so proud of you."

Not long after, Martha and Evelyn arrived, their faces a mix of worry and quiet determination.

They took their places in the room, lending their presence as a silent reassurance.

Outside, Lily and Mia paced the waiting area, their restless energy bouncing off the walls.

Time seemed to move in fits and starts—

Stretching unbearably with each contraction, then racing by in between.

Through it all, Ethan never let go of Sophie's hand.

He murmured words of love and encouragement, his forehead sometimes resting against hers, as if trying to share her strength.

When the pain became too much, he kissed her temple and whispered, "I love you. You're doing so amazing."

Over and over again, he told her how proud he was of her, how much he loved her, how much he needed her to hold on just a little longer.

Then—

A new sound filled the room.

A tiny, piercing cry.

Ethan's breath caught.

Tears blurred his vision as he watched the doctor place their baby in Sophie's arms.

Sophie cradled the little girl close to her chest, her expression a mix of exhaustion and overwhelming awe.

"She's beautiful," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Her fingers traced the baby's cheek, as if trying to convince herself this tiny miracle was real.

"She's perfect," Ethan managed, his voice thick with emotion.

He leaned down, pressing a soft, reverent kiss to Sophie's forehead, his tears slipping freely now.

"Just like her mom."

Moments later, the door cracked open.

Lily and Mia slipped inside, their excitement practically vibrating off them.

Lily clapped her hands over her mouth, her eyes already brimming with tears, while Mia bounced on her feet, barely containing herself.

"What's her name?" Lily asked, her voice unsteady as she leaned closer, eager to see her niece.

Ethan glanced at Sophie.

She was exhausted, but her smile glowed with quiet happiness.

Ethan turned back to Lily, his voice soft, full of warmth.

"Millie Rose Sinclair," he said.

"She's our little ray of sunshine."

Laughter and soft exclamations filled the room.

Mia and Lily cooed over her tiny hands, her delicate little face.

Evelyn and Martha couldn't hide their tears, their joy spilling over.

But Ethan—

He barely looked away from Sophie.

From his wife.

From the woman who had just given him everything.

He reached for her hand again, lifting it to his lips.

His voice was quiet, just for her.

"I love you, Sophie." His thumb brushed over her skin. "Thank you for giving me this family... for giving me everything."

Sophie's breath hitched, her tears spilling over.

She squeezed his hand, her fingers lacing through his.

"I love you too, Ethan."

Her voice cracked, but her smile never wavered.

"Always."

A tiny noise drew their attention back—

Millie.

Their daughter.

Their family.

Ethan reached out, his fingers gently brushing over her soft cheek.

His heart felt full in a way he never knew was possible.

This.

This was his everything.

The End.

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