The sun was just beginning to set, casting a soft golden glow over the backyard. The three of us were sprawled on the lawn, Luna's giggles filling the air as she raced between us, her little legs carrying her faster than I expected.
"Dad! Catch me!" Luna called out, her voice full of excitement as she glanced back over her shoulder.
Luigi raised an eyebrow at me, grinning. "You ready for this?"
I smiled and nodded. "Oh, I'm ready. But I'll warn you, I'm faster than I look."
"Let's see about that," he teased, crouching low before running after her. Luna's laughter echoed across the yard as she sprinted ahead, her pigtails bouncing with each step.
I watched them for a moment, heart swelling at the sight of them. There was something so simple and perfect about this momentâLuigi, playful and full of energy, and Luna, so full of joy as she ran toward him. Watching them together felt like everything was just right.
After a few moments, Luna slowed, her breathing quick, and let Luigi catch up to her. He scooped her up into his arms, spinning her gently in the air, and she squealed with delight.
"Dad, you're so strong!" she laughed, wrapping her little arms around his neck.
He smiled down at her, his expression softening. "You're my little moon, Luna. I can do anything when I have you with me."
I smiled at the familiar nickname. Luna stretched out her hand to me, her eyes lighting up.
"Mamma, come play!" she said, tugging at my arm.
I laughed softly, crouching to meet her gaze. "What do you want to play, little love?"
Luna paused, tapping her chin with a dramatic flair, before a wide grin spread across her face. "Let's build a castle! A big one, with a moat and princesses!"
Luigi raised his eyebrows, pretending to be serious. "A castle, huh? Alright, I'm in." He grabbed the sand toys we kept by the garden, and together we set to work, Luna excitedly directing where the towers should go and where the moat would form. Luigi did most of the digging, and I made sure the walls were smooth and sturdy.
By the time the sun was low in the sky, the castle stood proudly before us. It had two tall towers, a deep moat, and flags made of leaves. Luna stepped back, admiring her work, her eyes sparkling.
"It's perfect!" she declared, her arms stretching out as if to claim her kingdom. "Now we need to guard it!"
Luigi and I exchanged amused glances before he scooped Luna up, lifting her high in the air. "I'll be the knight," he said, grinning. "And you," he said to me with a playful wink, "can be the queen."
I laughed and gave a mock curtsy. "As the queen, I hereby declare that the castle is protected by the bravest knight."
Luna threw her arms around us, squeezing tightly. "I love our family."
Her words hit me softly, like a wave of warmth. I looked at Luigi, his face filled with so much love as he gazed down at our little girl. I couldn't help but feel like, in this moment, everything was as it should beâperfectly balanced, just the three of us, making memories we'd carry forever.
guys i wanna be a mom so bad