The morning sunlight crept into the room gently. Miss Dora walked down the hallway and knocked on David and Maylie's bedroom door.
Knock. Knock.
No response.
She waited a moment, then knocked again,louder this time.
Still no answer.
With a small sigh and a mischievous smile, she turned the knob and stepped inside. She spotted David curled up on the couch, fast asleep. Smirking, she walked over and pressed the bedside bell.
Ding!
David sat up instantly, startled. "Mom! Seriously?" he said, rubbing his eyes.
Miss Dora chuckled. "Yes, seriously. I've been knocking for ten minutes! You gave me no choice."
He groaned and rubbed his face. "Ahhh… okay, okay. Sorry, Mom."
Maylie stirred in bed and smiled at the familiar voice. "Good morning, Mom," she said sweetly.
"Good morning, my child. Breakfast is ready. Freshen up and join me at the table — I'm waiting." Miss Dora gave them a warm smile before leaving the room.
Just then, baby Harry began to cry.
"Oh no… why's he crying?" David asked, leaning over the crib.
"Probably hungry," Maylie replied as she got out of bed.
David gently lifted Harry, handing him to Maylie before heading to the washroom. After her shower, Maylie sat on the bed and started feeding Harry, rocking him slowly.
When David came out, he noticed Harry asleep in the crib again.
"He's already knocked out?" David whispered.
Maylie nodded. "Yeah. Out cold."
David grinned. "Perfect timing. Looks like I get to spend a few moments alone with my beautiful wife."
Maylie raised an eyebrow. "Alone?"
"Mmhmm." He stepped closer with a teasing smirk. "No baby cries… no distractions…"
"I'm not in the mood," she replied calmly.
"Ohh... so you're teasing me, huh?" He kept moving closer, hands in his pockets.
She smirked. "Not at all."
"Then what is it?"
Maylie looked down, a soft blush on her cheeks. "My back still hurts."
David gently wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck. "Let me make it better..."
Knock knock.
Lara's voice came from outside. "Sir, Miss Dora is calling you both for breakfast."
David groaned and rolled his eyes. "They're determined to keep me from romancing my wife, aren't they?"
Maylie laughed and took his hand. "Come on, babe. Let's go."
At the breakfast table, the family gathered with warm smiles. Miss Dora poured tea as she looked at Maylie with motherly affection.
"How are you feeling today, my dear?" she asked.
"Much better, Mom. Thank you," Maylie replied sincerely.
David spoke between bites, "Mom, yesterday you mentioned something about a party. What was it?"
Miss Dora smiled and set her cup down. "Yes. I've decided to throw a grand celebration for my grandson's welcome!"
David lit up. "Mom, that's such a great idea!"
"Absolutely!" Maylie added with excitement.
"Well then," David said, "you can decide the date. We'll be ready."
"I'll let you both know very soon," Miss Dora said with a wink.
Ding dong!
The doorbell rang. Lara opened the door to find the postman, who handed her a letter.
"Ma'am, you received a letter," Lara said, walking over.
"From whom?" Miss Dora asked curiously.
Lara opened it and began to read:
Dear sister,
Hope you're doing well. I know it's been a long time since we've seen each other, and honestly, I miss you so much. I'm planning to visit you soon.
The last time we met was at David's wedding. And now I hear that our David is a father congratulations! My heart is filled with joy. Time really flies. Please give my love to David and Maylie. May their baby be blessed with good health, laughter, and a life full of love.
So much love and warm hugs,
Your loving sister,
Rosy
Miss Dora's eyes misted. "Rosy…" she whispered, wiping the corners of her eyes.
David smiled gently. "I miss her too. She's always been so loving."
After breakfast, everyone went their separate ways for the day.
20 Days Later
A Lazy Morning
"David, wake up!" Maylie nudged him gently.
"Mmm… not now," he murmured from beneath the covers.
"You're getting late for work, Mr. Lazy," she scolded, patting his back.
"I don't wanna go…" he whined, pulling the blanket over his head.
"Stop behaving like a child. Get up already!" She laughed and gave him a playful punch.
"Ouch! Shut up!" he teased.
"Make me," she challenged with a sly smirk.
David raised an eyebrow, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her onto the bed. She squealed as he rolled over her.
"What are you doing!?"
"Just giving you what you asked for." He leaned in and kissed her forehead gently.
Knock knock.
"Sir," Lara called from outside. "Miss Dora is asking for you."
David sighed dramatically. "Ugh, not again."
Maylie smirked, stood up, and picked up Harry. "Go, darling. Byeee…"
David grumbled and dragged himself out of bed. After getting dressed, he headed to work.
Later That Afternoon_ Halloween
It was almost 3 PM when the doorbell rang.
Lara approached cautiously. "Who's there?"
No reply.
Ding dong. Ding dong.
She opened the door and was met with a small boy in costume.
"Hello, Miss!" he chirped. "We just moved in next door. My name is Jess. Can I have some Halloween candy?"
Lara smiled warmly. "Of course, sweetheart. Wait right here."
She returned with a handful of chocolates and candy. "Is this enough?"
Jess beamed. "Yes! Thank you! Happy Halloween!"
"Same to you, dear."
Later, in the living room
"Who was at the door, Lara?" Maylie asked.
"A little boy from the new neighbors Jess. He came for Halloween."
"Oh! I completely forgot it's Halloween today," Maylie laughed.
Miss Dora walked in wearing a deep purple shawl. "Happy Halloween, everyone! I called David he'll be coming home early. We're celebrating together tonight."
"Lara, make sure everything's ready," she added.
"Don't worry, ma'am. I'm on it."
That Night ,Family, Food & Firsts
David returned home just as the moon climbed high. He walked into the nursery, scooped Harry into his arms, and twirled him around.
"Hey, champ! Missed me?"
After changing, he joined the family at the dinner table.
Raising his glass, he said with a smile, "Cheers! to family, to new beginnings, and to Harry's very first Halloween!"
The clink of glasses followed, and laughter filled the room as the Stevenson mansion celebrated love, life, and a little miracle they'd waited so long for.