Breakfast duty

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows as Bella busied herself in the kitchen, trying to shake off a lingering feeling of fatigue. Strange she was feeling just fine last night....it must be the morning sickness.

Rachel was at the table, drawing something on a piece of paper, humming to herself.

The unexpected knock at the door startled Bella. She wiped her hands on a towel and opened it to find Lucas standing there, his usual charming smile in place.

"Mr. Handsome!" Rachel called from the table, grinning widely.

"Good morning," Lucas greeted, stepping inside. "I was in the area and thought I'd drop by."

Bella raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "In the area? That seems convenient."

Lucas shrugged, his grin widening. "Maybe I just missed seeing you both."

Bella rolled her eyes playfully, but there was no mistaking the warmth in her expression. "Well, since you're here, why don't you make yourself useful? Breakfast duty is all yours."

Lucas smirked. "Are you sure you trust me with that?"

"I think I can survive your cooking," Bella teased.

With a mock bow, Lucas headed to the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves. Rachel watched him with curiosity.

"Mr. Handsome, are you cooking? Then can you make pancakes?" she asked.

Lucas glanced at Bella for confirmation. "Pancakes it is," he said, pulling ingredients from the cupboards.

As he started mixing the batter, Bella leaned against the counter, sipping a glass of water. But as the smell of butter and sugar wafted through the air, her stomach churned unpleasantly. Her face paled, and she quickly set the glass down, clutching the counter for support.

Lucas noticed immediately. "Bella?" he asked, concern evident in his tone.

"I'm fine," she said weakly, but her body betrayed her as she bolted for the bathroom.

Lucas followed her, only to see her bending over to puke. He quickly moved to her side and grab her hair with one hand and used the another to rub her back.

After a while, she finished and rinsed her face. "Are you fine? Do you need anything?" he asked her, his voice gentle.

Bella shook her head, looking pale and embarrassed. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "It's just... morning sickness."

"You don't have to apologize," Lucas said, his brow furrowed with worry. "You should sit down. I'll take care of everything here."

Bella hesitated but nodded, allowing him to guide her to the couch. Rachel, meanwhile, ran to fetch a blanket for her mother.

"Here, Mommy!" Rachel said, draping the blanket over her.

"Thanks, sweetheart," Bella said, giving her a weak smile.

Lucas returned a short while later with a plate of neatly stacked pancakes, setting them down on the coffee table. "Breakfast is served," he announced.

"I can't promise I'll eat much," Bella said apologetically.

"That's okay," Lucas said. "You just need to eat something and rest. Rachel and I can handle the rest of breakfast, can't we?"

Rachel nodded enthusiastically, grabbing her fork. "Mr. Handsome makes the best pancakes!"