Bella shifted in her seat, absently rubbing her belly as they drove to the hospital after picking up Rachel from the school. The past few days had been filled with unexpected moments—Lucas acting like the perfect husband in front of his parents, their impromptu art gallery date, and now this, their second prenatal visit.
Rachel, sitting in the backseat, swung her legs excitedly. "Mama, why do we have to see a doctor just for a cold? You don't even look sick!"
Bella smiled, keeping her voice light. "It's just a check-up, sweetheart. The doctor will just make sure I'm all okay."
Rachel hummed, but Lucas, from the driver's seat, gave Bella a side glance. They both knew this visit was much more than that. And as much as the thought of visiting the doctor scares both of them, it also leave them excited as they were going to see the baby.
As they reached the hospital, Lucas parked the car and immediately stepped out, opening Bella's door before she could do it herself. She gave him a small, amused smile. "You really don't have to do this every time."
Lucas smirked, slipping his hand over her waist as if it he had been doing this for years. "And miss a chance to spoil my wife? Not happening. I have to take care of you and the baby."
Rachel giggled behind them. "Dada likes to take care of you, Mama!"
Bella felt her face warm. Lucas, completely unfazed, simply guided her inside.
Lucas remained silent, but his sharp eyes scanned the area. Ever since the stalker issue, he was extra cautious.
As they entered the hospital, Bella turned to Lucas. "It's been over four days since my scheduled visit. The doctor must be really busy."
Lucas scoffed. "Tch. If she wasn't the number one gynecologist in the city, I'd have taken you somewhere else by now."
Bella sighed. "You're so impatient."
Lucas looked down at her belly, his tone flat. "I don't trust anyone when it comes to you."
Bella's cheeks warmed, but before she could respond, the nurse called her name.
Dr. Marinelli greeted them with a warm smile. "It's good to see you again, Bella."
Bella returned the smile. "You too, doctor."
The doctor's gaze shifted to Lucas, who stood with his arms crossed. "And you, Mr. Costanzo. I assume you've been taking good care of her?"
Lucas arched a brow. "Obviously."
The doctor chuckled before turning to Rachel. "And who's this little one?"
Rachel grinned. "I'm Rachel!" Bella rubbed Rachel's back. "She wanted to come along."
Dr. Marinelli nodded knowingly but didn't press further. "Alright, Bella. Let's begin the checkup."
Bella lay down on the examination bed as the doctor applied the gel on her stomach and picked up the doppler device.
Rachel held Bella's hand, watching curiously. "Mama, does it hurt?"
Bella smiled. "No, sweetie. It just feels cold."
Lucas stood by the bedside, his gaze locked onto the screen.
A few moments passed, then—
Thump… thump… thump…
A soft, rhythmic sound filled the room. Bella's heart skipped a beat.
The baby's heartbeat.
The second time she was hearing it. Compared to the first time, it was much slower now—but still strong, steady, and real.
A warmth spread through her chest. This was their child. Growing inside her. A part of her, a part of them.
The doctor smiled as she checked the monitor. "Everything looks perfect. The heartbeat is strong, and Bella, you're in great health."
Bella nodded, her fingers unconsciously touching her stomach. Lucas watched her reaction, his expression unreadable.
Then, without a word,he reached out and gently squeezed her hand. Bella turned to him, surprised. She looked up at him, and for once, there was no teasing in his expression. Just quiet, unwavering focus—as if he was trying to memorize the sound.
Rachel, oblivious to the real reason behind the visit, tilted her head. "Mama, why does your cold make funny noises?"
Bella let out a soft laugh while Lucas cleared his throat, covering his smirk. "That's just the machine making sounds," Bella said gently.
Rachel seemed satisfied with that answer and turned back to watch.
The doctor went over the test results, confirming everything was normal. Bella and Lucas were both relieved hearing that.
As they left the hospital, Rachel tugged at Bella's sleeve. "Mama, when did you caught cold?"
Bella blinked. "Huh?"
Rachel frowned. "You visited the doctor, but you were never sick."
Bella and Lucas exchanged a quick glance. Lucas cleared his throat. "It's… a long cold."
Rachel pouted. "I don't get it."
Bella chuckled nervously and ruffled her hair. "You don't have to, sweetheart."
As they got into the car, Bella glanced down at her stomach once more. She had heard their baby's heartbeat before. But today… It was different.
After their hospital visit, Bella had expected Lucas to drive them straight home, but Rachel had other plans.
"Dada, let's eat outside today!" she chirped, swinging her legs in the backseat.
Bella chuckled, adding, "Yeah, Lucas. I'm craving something different too."
Lucas glanced between them, his jaw ticking slightly. "You just had a check-up. You should be resting, not wandering around."
Bella pouted, giving him a look that had worked on him more than once. "We'll eat and then go home. No extra stops."
Rachel, catching on, clasped her hands together. "Pretty please, Dada?"
Lucas sighed, already knowing he had lost. With a shake of his head, he muttered, "You two are dangerous together."
Rachel giggled in victory while Bella shot him a playful wink.
They chose a quiet restaurant, somewhere away from the usual high-end places Lucas would have preferred. It was cozy, warm, and filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread.
Rachel eagerly picked her favorite dish, and Lucas made sure Bella had something healthy alongside whatever she craved.
The meal was peaceful, a rare moment where they weren't surrounded by chaos, stalkers, or secrets.
By the time they returned home, Bella felt a wave of exhaustion hit her. Lucas immediately noticed. "Go rest."
"I'm fine," Bella tried to argue, but the raised brow he gave her made it clear—he wasn't letting this go.
Rachel, always quick to take sides, grabbed Bella's hand. "Mama, you should listen to Dada! Come, I'll take care of you."
Bella smiled softly and let Rachel pull her to the couch, where she was practically forced to lie down.
A few minutes later, Rachel returned with a small plate of sliced fruits. "Here, Mama! You need to eat healthy for your cold."
Lucas, leaning against the kitchen counter, smirked. "Our baby is definitely going to be as stubborn as you two."
Bella, feeling a warmth spread in her chest after hearing him say 'our baby', popped a grape into her mouth. "Then you better prepare yourself, Mr. Costanzo."
Lucas chuckled, walking over and settling beside them. "Oh, I am. But you should be more worried. Imagine dealing with two Rachels at once."
Bella groaned dramatically while Rachel just laughed, completely missing the joke. And for a little while, it was just them—no threats, no fears. Just family.