I smiled, considering it. “I like that. Strong but soft.”
“Your turn,” Travis said, eyes twinkling.
I thought for a moment, then said, “What about ‘Noah’? It means ‘rest’ or ‘comfort.’ Kind of perfect for this whole whirlwind.”
He nodded thoughtfully. “Noah Everett Kelce… or Everett Noah Kelce.”
I laughed softly. “I like Everett Noah better. What else do you have?”
“Hmm,” Travis said, rubbing his chin. “Maybe ‘Jasper’? It means ‘treasurer.’ He’s definitely a little treasure.”
I bit my lip, warming to the idea. “Jasper’s nice. I also like ‘Miles’—means ‘soldier.’ A quiet strength.”
“Okay, Miles Jasper?” Travis suggested.
“Or Jasper Miles,” I replied with a smile.
He grinned. “This is harder than I thought.”
I nodded. “But fun. I want his name to mean something—like he was meant to be here.”
We kept going back and forth, tossing out names and meanings, each one feeling like a gift. It wasn’t just about picking a name—it was about welcoming him into our family, our story.
I laughed softly and shook my head. “Naming Mira was easier than this.”
Travis chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, with Mira, we knew right away. This little guy’s got us second-guessing everything.”
I smiled tiredly, glancing down at the baby. “Maybe that just means he’s extra special.”
He squeezed my hand gently. “Definitely. Whatever we pick, he’s going to own it.”
I nodded, feeling the weight and warmth of that truth settle around us like a cozy blanket.
Kylie’s eyes immediately softened as she stepped closer, Mira and Lily trailing right behind her. The girls’ faces lit up with excitement and curiosity as they took in their new baby brother cradled in my arms.
“He’s so tiny,” Kylie whispered, smiling warmly.
Mira reached out carefully, her small fingers brushing his soft cheek. "Baby,” she said softly.
Lily grinned shyly, whispering, “Welcome home, little guy.”
Travis watched them with pride. “They’ve been waiting all day to meet their new brother.”
Kylie crouched beside the bed, gently brushing a stray hair from my forehead. “You both did amazing.”
I sighed, still overwhelmed but filled with love. “It feels unreal, but perfect.”
Kylie nodded. “That feeling stays with you, but this—this is just the beginning of your beautiful family.”
We all sat there together, surrounded by the quiet joy of the moment, our family growing in ways we never expected but would always cherish.
Mira gurgled softly in my arms, too little to ask questions yet, but Lily’s eyes were wide with curiosity as she looked up at me.
“Mommy, where did the baby come from?” Lily asked quietly.
I smiled gently, shifting Mira so she could see her new little brother too. “Well, sometimes babies come as surprises, and sometimes they grow in Mommy’s tummy. This little guy has been waiting to be part of our family, just like Mira did.”
Lily nodded slowly, reaching out to gently touch the baby’s tiny hand. “So he’s our baby brother now?”
I nodded, warmth filling my chest. “Yes, he’s your baby brother, and Mira’s too.”
YOU ARE READING
Invisible String
FanfictionWe always thought it would be easy - or at least, easier than this. Starting a family was the next chapter we were so ready for. After years of tour buses, locker rooms, sold-out stadiums, and quiet nights tangled up on the couch, we finally looked...
