Best start in life

For the first time, Lucas felt a tug—an unfamiliar yearning to build something lasting, to call them his. Truly, his.

Present

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. She felt her breath hitch, her eyes widening in surprise. Marriage? It was something she hadn't even considered, not so soon.

But looking into his eyes, she could see the sincerity, the trust that had grown between them in the short time they'd known each other.

But there was still the unspoken concern ...the baby needed a perfect family. Not just two people coexisting, but a stable home, love, and security. They couldn't raise this child in a broken or complicated situation. The baby deserved more than that.

Are you sure?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "You want to marry me?"

He smiled, his fingers gently intertwining with hers. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

"I... I don't know what to say," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

"Say yes," he replied, a hopeful smile tugging at his lips. "Let's do this together. Let's give our baby the best start in life."

She looked down at their intertwined hands, her heart swelling with so many emotions she could hardly process them all. But then she thought of Rachel, of the new life growing inside her, and the man sitting in front of her who had been nothing but supportive, loving, and kind.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She had never expected this—never imagined him asking her this way. But, in that moment, she realized that maybe, just maybe, he was the perfect person to be by her side.

And maybe this family—this unexpected, complicated, beautiful family—was exactly what she needed. Maybe this was the new beginning she never knew she needed.

"Yes," she finally said, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes, I'll marry you.The baby needs something more than just us being together."

The words felt like a promise, one she hadn't expected to make so soon but one she couldn't take back.

He nodded slowly, the weight of his responsibility settling in. "I can give you everything, but it won't be enough unless we give the baby something real. Something stable."

Lucas said, his words deliberate. "We'll build a family. A real family, one that's perfect for this child. You deserve that, and so does the baby."

She nodded,"I know the feeling when both of our parents are not with us. Rachel also only have me, she too need a father in her life. A child deserves the love of both of it's parents."

He leaned in then, brushing a soft unexpected kiss against her forehead. "I'll take care of you. And Rachel and the baby. We'll make sure this little one grows up surrounded by love."

She nodded in approval and for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to believe it. That this could be the beginning of something beautiful. A family, built on trust, love, and the promise of a future together.