Marriage

You never thought life could get better, but it does.

One moment you’re watching Gwen waddle into the living room, her belly round and glowing with life, the next, you’re standing beside her in a church. She wears a flowing white wedding dress, simple but elegant, hugging her form just enough to show her heavily pregnant belly. Your child growing inside. Her red hair is pinned back with soft curls framing her face, and when she smiles at you, the world stops.

The ceremony is small but perfect. Just the two of you, a quiet officiant. No need for guests. You don’t need an audience. This moment belongs to you and her alone.

When the officiant declares you husband and wife, Gwen leans in and kisses you, long and deep, her hands cradling your face like she’s trying to memorize it. The feel of her lips, her warmth, the way her eyes shine when she pulls back, it’s seared into your memory forever.

A few days later, you’re holding her hand in the hospital room. Her face is flushed, her breath short, her grip on your fingers firm and unwavering. She’s in labor, but she’s strong, fierce, determined.

“I’m scared,” you admit quietly.

She turns her head and grins between contractions. “Don’t be. I’ve got this. We’ve got this.”

Hours pass like seconds and centuries at the same time. Then, suddenly, there’s a cry. A single voice breaking into the world. Raw. Beautiful. Real.

The nurse places the newborn in Gwen’s arms. Your son. Your child.

Tiny. Wrinkled. Perfect.

Tears sting your eyes as you look down at him. He curls one little fist and waves it in the air like he already knows he’s got your whole world in his grip.

Gwen is crying too, her smile tired but full of joy. “Look at him,” she whispers. “He’s so strong already.”

You press your forehead to hers, heart full and overflowing. “We did it.”

She nods. “Yeah. And this is just the beginning.”

And it is. Because your son isn’t the last. In the months and years to come, there are more babies, more laughter, more memories. A full house, a full life, a love that only grows deeper with every passing day.

You were once alone.

Now, you’re a husband.

A father.

And every time you look at Gwen, your wife, your partner, the mother of your children, you know without a doubt that this is the life you were always meant to live.

The wish wasn’t just for a waifu.

It was for a future.

And you got everything.