a few weeks later
"I want to go shopping," Alva said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Cody looked up from his phone. "Okay."
Alva pouted. "Aren't you even curious why?"
He met her eyes with a calm gaze. "Why?"
She beamed. "I'm shopping for our little girl."
Cody's expression softened for just a second—so quick, Alva almost missed it. But it disappeared behind his usual composed look. "Anything for my little girl," he murmured, his voice low and warm.
Alva giggled. "I get the feeling you're gonna love her more than me."
Cody smirked slightly. "Shh. Let's get ready."
"But I'm not wearing any of my girly stuff," Alva said firmly. "I wanna wear your clothes."
Cody raised an eyebrow. "Mine?"
"Yep."
Without hesitation, Cody walked over to his closet—lined with designer outfits that made Alva's jaw drop. He tossed her a pair of sleek black joggers. "Couple's set. Go change."
Alva shook her head. "I want you to dress me," she said, voice low and teasing.
Cody let out a soft laugh. "You're really trying to make another baby, huh?"
But her face grew serious. "I can't wear mine anymore… My belly's getting bigger and I just feel overwhelmed."
He didn't say anything more. He just walked over and started helping her into the joggers with careful, loving hands.
Later, when she walked out of the bathroom wearing his clothes, Cody said, "Let's go." But Alva had other plans.
"I'll go only if you carry me to the car. Or maybe even all the way to the mall."
He sighed dramatically, but his lips twitched into a smile as he scooped her into his arms, bridal-style.
As he carried her down the stairs, Alva snuggled close. "Kiss me," she whispered against his neck. "Right here, right now."
Cody paused mid-step, smirking. "Why are you acting like a baby?"
"And what if I don't get my kiss?" she challenged.
"Then you're not going anywhere?" he guessed.
"Exactly."
So Cody kissed her—slow and romantic, like they had all the time in the world.
---
At the baby store, they were halfway through picking out clothes when Alva nudged Cody. "Pick something."
He hesitated.
Alva narrowed her eyes. "She's your daughter too, or is she just mine?"
With a reluctant sigh, Cody grabbed a tiny black top and a matching short skirt.
Alva stared. "Why do you always pick black? And don't pass your all-black fashion obsession onto our kid!"
She glanced at the size tag and did a double take. "Wait—what is this? The skirt is so short! Are you trying to sell her off?"
Cody blinked. "What? No—"
"You don't wear stuff like this to the office, do you?" she teased, dropping the outfit back on the rack.
He quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her along to another aisle. The two of them moved through the store, bickering playfully and laughing like teenagers.
---
When they finished, they realized the car was parked blocks away.
Alva sighed dramatically. "Let's leave the car there. People are gonna say, 'How could a girl like you end up with him?'"
Cody laughed and nodded. "Fine. Let's walk."
As they strolled through the streets, the sky darkened and rain started falling—light at first, then harder. Cody instantly pulled Alva close, shielding her with his body. Since she was wearing his joggers, they stuck together as they spun and laughed in the storm.
"Faster! Faster!" Alva squealed.
Cody scooped her up again and sprinted toward the car, his long legs carrying them through the downpour. It felt like the sky had been waiting years to pour out its soul.
They were drenched and breathless by the time they reached the car.
---
At home, they changed into warm clothes and curled up under a thick duvet. Alva noticed something as she buttoned one of Cody's jackets.
"All your clothes come in couples' sets… You really planned to make me yours, huh?"
Cody stayed silent, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Snuggled beneath the blanket, Alva asked, "So, what else do you do besides playing on your phone?"
Cody blinked. "What brought that on?"
"I just want to know if my daughter's dad is boring or not."
He chuckled. "Is this an interview?"
"Sort of. I want to know what you like, what your hobbies are."
He paused. "Well… there's a parenting competition coming up."
Alva grinned. "So?"
"So… I don't know what to do."
She poked his chest. "You're going to apply. And you're going to prove to me you're not boring."
"Why?"
"I don't know. Just figure it out by tomorrow."
She yawned and curled against him, her voice soft. "I'm tired. I love you."
Cody half-smiled and whispered, "Love you too," before closing his eyes with a sigh.