2009 – Seven years ago

If it weren't for the lovely chorus of songbirds, she would have been terribly annoyed waking at such an early hour. She pulled the covers up tighter and rested her eyes lightly, musing over the birds' rendition of morning glory.

A shifting occurs behind her, followed by an arm snaking around her middle and pulling her closer. She couldn't stifle her giggle, subsequently prompting him to chuckle. He kissed her neck gently before nuzzling into the crook of her neck.

"What time is it, my love?" his morning voice hummed before his lips blazed a trail from her neck towards her jawline.

"Jove, sweetheart, it's too early for you to be pulling this." She could barely stifle the giggling.

The stubble tickling her jaw stopped. He craned his head towards her as she tilted herself back towards his eyes. The mock annoyance in his eyes couldn't overshadow the warmth gazing at her.

He grinned slyly. "You still didn't answer my question, pet."

"I don't know, love. The sun is shining and the birds are singing—it's at least morning." She batted her eyelashes.

"Then it is high time your dutiful husband prepares breakfast." He threw off the covers and twisted suddenly, leaping out of bed, and practically skipping out of their room.

Belly laughs erupted deep within her. She twisted with glee, nestling in the fluffy comforter on their bed. She felt aglow, smiling fondly at their bedroom door as the chorus of breakfast preparations streamed through.

"Bacon or sausage, my love?" he called, the savory aroma of sizzling breakfast wafting through the air, teasing her senses. She paused a moment, twisting her lips into a smile as she slid her slippers on.

"Wait—don't answer that, I already know: one of each!" he exclaimed.

"I love you more than words can say," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion as she let out a deeply contented exhale.

Something about today felt right, like the stars were aligned and smiling down on her. She didn't know what was responsible—the birds, the sunlight, her perfect husband. Hell, maybe it was all the above.

With a newfound burst of energy, she leapt to their master bathroom. She hurriedly located the box and made a mental note to restock the next time they went shopping.

She placed the test on the counter. The waiting was undeniably the worst part. But keeping herself moving helped keep her sane—so, she paced. She knew checking it every fifteen seconds wouldn't make the result appear any faster, but nothing in her body stopped her from doing so. Patience, my love, is not one of your many bewitching virtues, he'd say.

"Breakfast's almost ready!"

She couldn't stop the smile curling upwards at the corners of her mouth."Be there in a minute, darling!" she called.

Her latest pace left her facing the window. She paused, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Pivoting on the balls of her feet, she scurried to the counter. She choked on her saliva as she read the test result.

She sprinted out of the bathroom.

"Jovanni!"