WARMTH

The next morning, Elena awoke to the gentle sound of birds outside their window. The warmth of Damien’s arms still wrapped around her made her feel secure and loved, as if nothing in the world could ever harm them. She smiled, her hand instinctively resting on her growing belly, already thinking of their child and the life ahead.

Damien stirred beside her, his eyes slowly opening as he smiled sleepily at her. “Good morning, beautiful,” he whispered, leaning in to press a soft kiss to her forehead.

“Good morning,” she replied, her voice soft as she gazed into his eyes. “I’m starting to love these mornings with you.”

Damien chuckled and kissed her lips gently before pulling back, his hand moving to cover hers on her belly. “I think they’re only going to get better.”

For a moment, they simply lay there, enjoying the quiet intimacy of their morning. The world outside felt far away, and it was just the two of them, their love, and the tiny life growing inside Elena. It was a brief, peacefu