If I'm there

FIVE

Noah's POV.

As my eyes crept open, I'd realized Mia was crying.
2:15 AM
"I've got her lil.." my voice trailed into the nursery.
Lillian and Aliyah had decorated it in dark green and gold. A bronze crib sat in the middle of the wall, a wooden mobile hanging above, a gift, from nics parents.

Approaching Mia's crib, I peered inside, finding her tiny form nestled among her blankets. Her cries softened at the sound of my voice, and I carefully scooped her into my arms, cradling her against my chest. As I rocked her back and forth, I couldn't help but marvel at how something so small could have such a profound impact on our lives.

I remembered a late-night adventure with Lillian, where we had assembled the crib together. It was this amazing moment, with laughter and occasional moments of frustration while we tried to follow the instructions in the dimly lit nursery. The memory brought a smile to my lips as I held our daughter, realizing that was the night, that I knew I'd love them both until I die.

I swayed gently back and forth, the rhythmic motion soothing her , singing lyrics filled with emotions and memories:

"Don't you dare
Say I'm gonna
Make it.
Cause I don't believe
A thing
You say. There's a
Sickness
Living inside me,
You can spare me of your
Sympathy "

My voice, usually reserved for the stage, became a lullaby in this sacred moment.
"Keaton would've loved you Mia," I smiled. "Everything about you, reminds me of him. It's like he's still here with me."
I carefully swiped a strand of her hair away from her face, revealing her peaceful expression as she began to drift off to sleep. As I continued humming the melody to the song and Holding her close, I knew that in this nursery, in this house, she would be safe from everything outside.

I picked her up, walking down stairs to the couch, laying her on my chest. I smiled as she let out a small sigh. I watched as her small hands curled into little balls at either side of her head.

as the moon seeped through the windows above the stairs it casted a half lit glow upon the baby's head. Just enough to see she'd fallen content with the rise and fall of my chest.

These quiet moments in the middle of the night, with her soft breaths against my skin, were precious and irreplaceable.
I too, drifted to sleep.

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the room as I stumbled into the scene. There she was, Lillian, the love of my life, with Mia giggling in the high chair behind her.

"Morning, babe," I mumbled, still half-asleep but instantly feeling more awake at the sight of them.

"Good morning," she replied, her smile radiating happiness. "Tomorrow is the big day."

I couldn't help but grin back, though a hint of nervousness lurked behind my excitement. "I know. I'm excited for tour. It's gonna be... fun."

"You hesitated," she observed playfully, her eyes dancing with amusement.

I tried to deny it, my voice betraying me with a nervous chuckle. "I definitely did not."

"Mmmm, yes, you did," Lillian laughed, her laughter infectious. "No need to hide it, Noah."

I sighed, knowing she saw right through me. "Okay, maybe I'm a little nervous, but it'll be great, I promise."

Lillian's expression softened as she reached out to squeeze my hand. "Noah, you're going to rock it out there. And Mia and I will be here cheering you on every step of the way."