Annie and Mike were sitting next to each other on the terrace of their new house, which they had bought a few weeks ago. It was their dream home, with a large plot of land and a sparkling pool that shone in the sunlight. Today was a special day: their wedding anniversary. But this time everything was different, because Annie was expecting a child.
She gently stroked her round belly and smiled as she felt her baby’s tiny movements. Mike, who was preparing the barbecue, gave her a loving look. ‘Our little darling seems to be looking forward to the food,’ he joked as he put the steaks on the grill. Annie laughed and nodded. ‘Yeah, it feels like it’s joining in the celebrations already.’
They had decided to spend this special day quietly at home. No big celebrations, just the two of them and the anticipation of what was to come. The smell of grilled meat and vegetables filled the air as they sat by the pool, enjoying the last rays of sunshine of the day.
Once the meal was ready, they sat down at the small table on the terrace. Mike had lovingly set the table with candles and a bouquet of fresh flowers from the garden. They toasted with a glass of juice – wine was of course taboo for his wife at the moment – and let their eyes wander over the sparkling pool.
While they ate, they talked about their years together and the adventures they had had. They reminisced about their honeymoon and the many big and small moments they had experienced together. And they dreamed of the future, of their baby, who would soon enrich their lives.
After dinner, they went to the pool and took souvenir photos. The sky slowly grew dark and the first stars appeared. Mike put his arm around Annie and gently pulled her close. They cuddled up together and listened to the soft lapping of the water.
Annie felt her baby’s movements and took Mike’s hand to place it on her stomach. Together they felt the little kicks and laughed with joy. ‘It seems just as excited as we are,’ Mike whispered. Annie nodded, feeling infinitely happy at that moment.
Under the stars, surrounded by the peace of their new home and the knowledge that a new life would soon be joining their family, Annie and Mike celebrated their wedding anniversary. It was an evening full of love, hope and anticipation for the years they would spend together as a family.
