Just then, a sleepy little voice called out from the couch. "Mama…?"
Lucas stood, stretching slightly. "I've got her."
Bella watched him walk over to Rachel, crouching beside her gently.
Rachel rubbed her eyes, blinking up at him. "Did the baby wake up too?"
Lucas smiled. "Maybe. You wanna go say hi?"
Rachel nodded groggily and padded over, climbing onto Bella's lap with the sleepy trust only small children had. Her tiny hand rested on Bella's belly.
"Hi baby," she whispered. "I had a nap. Did you?"
Lucas watched from beside them, a strange tenderness in his chest that he didn't have a name for.
He leaned over and kissed Rachel's curls. Then, softer, he kissed Bella's temple. He don't know why he do this, but one thing he is sure about is, that he likes it and Bella is comfortable with this.
Their world had grown in quiet ways — with color books and fruit plates and heartbeat flutters. And even if it felt fragile at times, it was theirs.
The house glowed with the soft warmth of the afternoon, the golden light pouring through the curtains casting a peaceful hush over everything. Rachel sat cross-legged on the rug, crayons scattered around her as she focused hard on her drawing. Occasionally, she would hold it up to Lucas with an expectant look.
"See, Dada? This is you. And that's Mommy. And that—" she tapped her crayon on a wiggly little blob "—is the baby inside Mommy's tummy."
Lucas raised an eyebrow and leaned closer. "Are you sure that's not a potato?"
Rachel giggled. "Nooo! It's a baby potato!"
Bella chuckled from where she sat curled on the couch, a pillow tucked behind her back and her feet stretched across the cushions. She'd been watching the two of them for the past ten minutes, content to just be there, soaking it all in. Her hand drifted to her belly as she smiled at the sight of Lucas letting Rachel draw on the back of his hand in blue crayon.
"You're going to regret letting her do that when you show up to your next meeting looking like a sea monster," Bella teased.
Lucas gave her a look of mock horror. "Correction—I'm a very dignified sea monster who also happens to make excellent business deals."
Rachel clapped. "Sea monster Dada!"
The three of them burst into laughter, the sound bouncing off the walls like music.
After the dinner, Bella and Rachel demanded for a sudden movie night. Lucas dimmed the lights and turned on a family movie—something animated and cheerful that made Rachel squeal with excitement. Bella shifted to make room for her, and soon Rachel was tucked between them with a bowl of popcorn resting on her lap. For a while, it was peaceful. Rachel's laughter filled the room, and Bella rested her head lightly on Lucas's shoulder, eyes fluttering shut every now and then.
But midway through the movie, Bella's eyes popped open. She blinked once, then shifted restlessly.
Lucas noticed immediately. "What is it?"
"I don't know," she murmured, rubbing her belly. "Suddenly I need spicy fries. Like, desperately. And maybe... a chocolate milkshake?"
Lucas paused, looked at her, and then looked at the clock. "You're craving deep-fried grease and frozen sugar at—" he glanced again, "—8:42 PM?"
Bella blinked innocently. "The baby wants it."
Lucas groaned, but he was already getting up, grabbing his car keys. "If our child comes out demanding extra-large fries with double cheese, I'm blaming you."
"You're already blaming me!" she called after him, laughing.
Rachel whispered with a grin, "He's going to bring ice cream too. He always does."
Bella smirked. "He spoils us."
Thirty minutes later, Lucas returned, arms full of greasy goodness and the distinct scent of fast food trailing him like a hero's cape. Rachel clapped excitedly as she saw the paper bags, and Bella—well, Bella's eyes nearly teared up at the sight of the fries.
"I could kiss you right now," she said dramatically.
Lucas gave her a playful smirk. "That offer might be more tempting if you didn't look like you were about to marry that milkshake."
"I can do both," she said through a mouthful of fries.
They all sat around the coffee table, munching happily. Rachel's head drooped by the time she finished her burger, and Bella scooped her into her lap.
"Want me to tuck her in?" Lucas offered softly.
Bella nodded. "She'll sleep better if you do the story."
Lucas gently picked up Rachel, her head nestling against his shoulder. "You and I," he whispered to the sleepy girl, "have a story to finish."
Bella watched them disappear down the hall, her heart tugging in all the ways she couldn't explain.
Later, Lucas returned to find her stretching out her legs with a slight wince.
He sat beside her, gently lifting her feet onto his lap. "Give me ten minutes and I'll have you floating."
"You do know your hands are officially my favorite thing about you, right?" she sighed as he began kneading the sore spots.
Lucas smirked. "Not my charming personality?"
She gave him a sleepy smile. "That too. But your hands win tonight."
There was a quiet lull again—comfortable, warm, familiar. The kind that wrapped around you like a soft blanket. Lucas's fingers moved in slow, soothing circles, and Bella let her head fall back, her eyes fluttering closed.
"Hey," she whispered, not opening her eyes, "do you think the baby knows your voice by now?"
Lucas's movements slowed. "I don't know," he murmured. "But I hope so."
Bella opened her eyes, meeting his gaze. "They're lucky to have you."
For a moment, neither of them said anything. The quiet between them was full—not empty. Lucas reached forward, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
"You're the strong one," he said. "I'm just the guy with the fries."
Bella laughed softly, but her throat felt tight.
She leaned back, Lucas's hands still resting against her legs, and the glow from the lamp cast soft shadows over them both.
Lucas gently picked up Bella and walked to their bedroom. He gently placed her on the bed as if she was a delicate greenware. Bella turned and lay curled on her side, her back facing Lucas. He settled behind her, arms sliding gently around her waist.
For a moment, he hesitated. Then, softly, his hand drifted lower and rested over the small swell of her belly.
Bella didn't move.
She just closed her eyes as he whispered, "Hey there, little one…"
His palm remained still, as if trying to feel something—anything. Maybe it was too soon.
Or maybe he just wanted the connection.
She reached for his hand and placed it more firmly over the gentle curve.
Lucas exhaled slowly. "Can't wait to meet you," he murmured.
Bella smiled faintly.