You're good with her

It was late morning next day when Bella opened the door to find Lucas standing on her doorstep, a casual smile on his face. He was dressed simply in a button-down shirt and jeans, looking effortlessly stylish.

"Good morning," he greeted, his tone light. "I thought I'd drop by and see how you both are doing."

Rachel, already in the living room playing with her dolls, immediately noticed his arrival. It was Sunday so she decided to play whole day with her toys.

"Mr. Handsome!" she squealed, running over to him with her usual enthusiasm.

Lucas laughed softly and crouched down to her level. "Hey there, cutie. What are you up to today?"

"Playing tea party!" Rachel said proudly, showing him a plastic teacup. "Do you want to join?"

Lucas looked over at Bella, who was now standing in the doorway. She shrugged, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You're welcome to join, if you'd like. But be warned, Rachel doesn't take kindly to guests who don't drink the tea."

Lucas gave a mock-serious nod. "I accept the challenge."

As he sat down at the small table, Rachel poured pretend tea into a cup for him. Bella watched from the doorway, smiling softly at the sight. The ease with which Lucas interacted with Rachel was nothing short of natural....he seemed genuinely at ease with her, and Rachel clearly adored him.

"You're good with her," Bella said quietly, leaning against the doorway.

Lucas glanced at her and smiled, but there was something deeper in his expression. "I enjoy spending time with her," he replied. "She's a bright kid, and she knows how to make someone feel welcome."

"She's a handful," Bella admitted, walking over to join them. "But she's mine. And I wouldn't have it any other way."

Rachel handed Bella a cup, then turned to Lucas with a grin. "Drink it, Mr. Handsome!"

Lucas took the cup, grinning at her. "You got it." He dramatically sipped the empty cup, making a show of it.

Rachel giggled, clapping her hands in delight. "Yay! He drank the tea!"

Bella couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. She took a seat next to them, and they spent the next hour playing and chatting, with Rachel in the center of it all. The day felt easy....no expectations, just natural moments of connection.

As the afternoon wore on, Lucas stood to leave, giving Rachel a high five. "I'll be back soon in the evening, alright?"

"Promise?" Rachel asked, her voice filled with innocence.

"I promise," Lucas said with a wink, ruffling her hair.

Once he was gone, Bella lingered in the doorway, a thoughtful expression on her face. Something was growing between them, something that felt real, and that scared her. She wasn't sure where it would lead, but for the first time in a long while, she wasn't afraid to see it through.