The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the bedroom. Dominic stirred from sleep, his body heavy with exhaustion. He blinked groggily, adjusting to the unfamiliar quiet that had settled over the house. His eyes fell on Isabella, peacefully asleep beside him, her breathing slow and steady. Her hand rested on her swollen belly, and Dominic’s heart ached with both love and concern.
He leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Sleep well, Piccola,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He then traced a light path along her belly, whispering, “And you too, little one.”
As he carefully extricated himself from the bed, the soft creak of the mattress seemed to rouse Luka, who was waiting just outside the door. Luka’s face was taut with
