“This is a nice surprise,” I murmured as I closed the distance between us, stopping when her heavy belly nestled comfortably between our bodies.
She smiled up at me, that same mischievous warmth still living in her eyes.
“I went out for some food with the girls after work,” she said, tilting her face upward for a kiss.
“Mm,” I hummed, leaning down to kiss my girl.
Her lips were soft and warm, lingering against mine just long enough to make the rest of the lobby fade away.
She was completely different from the quiet young woman who had first stepped into my home months ago. Stella had grown into herself in ways that still caught me off guard sometimes.
At work she had shifted roles within the company while keeping her flexible hours. Instead of sales, she now worked in data and risk—quiet, analytical work that suited her far better. A role that allowed her to breathe instead of constantly performing.
When I’d once suggested she finish her studies, the reaction had been immediate. Sharp. Visceral.
Some scars took longer to heal than others.
And that was alright.
“How’s my other girl?” I asked, pulling back slightly so I could rest my hand against her belly.
Stella’s eyes lit up instantly before softening.
“She’s perfect.”
My thumb brushed over the curve of her stomach, feeling the small, reassuring weight of the life growing there.
“You both are,” I said, sliding my arm around her shoulders and guiding her toward the car park.“But I’m biased.”
She laughed quietly and leaned into me as we walked, the cool evening air drifting through the glass doors behind us.
Almost eleven months, and she still managed to consistently surprise me.
???
“Just answer it,” Stella said as the caller ID flashed across the screen.
“I’m driving,” I replied, attempting to sound justified.
“You’re on hands-free,” she said dryly.
I sighed, tapping the button on my steering wheel while keeping my eyes firmly on the road.
“Hi, Hazel. Maddox is driving right now,” Stella chirped.
“Stella, darling,” Mum crooned through the speakers.“How are you and my granddaughter doing?”
“I’m fine, Mother,” I snapped.“You know. The creator of your darling grandchild.”
“Oh, hush. You had one job, and it took you thirty-odd years of practice before you finally got it right.”
I smirked.
Beside me, Stella scowled.
It turned out she was more jealous of my past than I’d ever been of hers.
“I’m practically on my deathbed and now you finally manage to land one,” Mum continued dramatically.
