Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley (F!OC) with Malia Lahela
Book: Open Heart
Word Count: ~400
Rating/Warnings: General, fluffy fluff
A/N: Art by the amazing artbyainna (IG)
The corners of the picnic blanket flapped with the light breeze. Crumbs from their sandwiches and snacks were scattered across the fabric. Malia's empty juice box had tipped when she wobbled off trying to catch a butterfly. Drops of condensation trickled down the pitcher of lemonade as the sun warmed the air around them. Their backyard Father's Day picnic had been an overwhelming success.
Malia toddled barefoot through the grass, her pink sundress fluttering around her as she moved with carefree joy. Her soft laughter filled the space with the most beautiful song. Malia brought him so much joy, not just today on Father's Day but every day. She had been the greatest gift he didn't know he needed. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to protect her.
The skin around his eyes pulled into tender lines as he followed her movements. The smile on his face couldn’t capture even a fraction of what he felt inside.
"Come here, my little gigglebug," Bryce teased, scooping Malia into his arms, which earned him another fit of laughter from his daughter. He kissed her all over as she wiggled with glee, happy with his attention.
"She has you wrapped around her little fingers," Olivia offered with a smile of adoration. She couldn't have been happier with the family they had created. Malia was a daddy's girl through and through and Bryce loved every second of it.
"I can't imagine a better place to be." Bryce twirled with Malia in his arms. The sunlight shimmered in the fine strands of red in her hair that reminded him of her beautiful mother.
She was magnificent.
She was beautiful.
She was the best part of him.
And she had made him a father, a title he was carried with pride.
"I wuv Dada," Malia cheered, wrapping her little arms around his neck. She pressed a wet, messy kiss on his cheek.
"I love you too, Malia." Bryce cradled his daughter in his arms, savoring the moment. She had grown so much in the past almost two years. He wished he could slow time down, but knew they had to live in the moment or else they might miss something. And with her, he didn't want to miss a thing...not one little thing.
Olivia shifted closer to where Bryce was holding Malia, still kissing her softly. "Happy Father's Day, Bryce. We love you."
Thanks for reading! Interactions are appreciated! 💛
Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley (F!OC) with Malia Lahela
Book: Open Heart
Word Count: ~400
Rating/Warnings: General, fluffy fluff
Summary: Olivia reflects on the state of the holiday decorations.
Ornament boxes lay forgotten where they'd been opened. Their lids flipped back, tissue paper cradling the empty cavities where ornaments once rested. The beautiful balls now hung carefully on the tree. Colorful lights glowed against the evergreen branches. The star on top tilted slightly to the side, still in need of straightening. Strands of unstrung garland lay in front of the mantle waiting for its moment to shine. Their stockings rested along the back of the couch, ready to be placed.
Their living room looked like a Christmas wonderland that had been left half finished.
She tucked her feet beneath her, curling further into the rocking chair. The decorations would have to wait another day. It wasn't the picture-perfect Hallmark-ready room that they would have had to offer a few years ago after a day's work, but things had changed. Their priorities shifted. What once was her favorite part of the year took a backseat. And that was okay.
Lifting the ceramic cup to her lips, she let the warm, honeyed chamomile tea linger on her tongue, savoring the sweet notes before swallowing. Her free hand cradled her stomach; it was still early on, but with every day their child would grow. Before they'd know it, he or she would be there, taking part in the magical chaos, but not quite yet. Not this year. Soon enough, though.
A smile pulled on her lips, her gaze settling on the couch. Bryce lay sprawled across it, one leg dangling over the side. His arms crossed protectively over his chest, holding Malia safely against him. Her little mouth opened as a soft little snore slipped from her. Her whole world, right there in front of her, safe and protected... and growing. By this time next year, their little family of three would be four.
She glanced once more around the room, all the unfinished projects waiting for their moment. They'd have to keep waiting. Now, and in the future.
Olivia shook her head softly, wondering how much would change this time next year, with a toddler and an infant. Whatever awaited them...they weren't ready, but that was the beauty of parenthood. No matter how prepared you thought you were, your little loves always kept you guessing. A magical adventure... the most magical adventure, a life of love, a life built together.
Thank you for reading this little drabble. I wanted to write something bigger but writer's block is still winning... for now. ... but I'll keep trying. I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into their world. I imagine this could take place real time. 💛
