CHAPTER 56 — PREPARING FOR THE BABY
Morning — Plans for the Nursery
Auri woke up slowly, her head resting on Dante's shoulder. The sunlight streamed through the windows, highlighting the soft lines of his face. He was already awake, gently tracing circles on her arm.
"Good morning, beautiful," Dante murmured, voice husky.
"Good morning… I'm still a little sore and tired," Auri admitted, stretching lazily.
"That's why you're staying home today," Dante said with a small smirk. "No work, no chores, nothing. Today is just for you, me, and our baby."
Auri blinked, a mix of surprise and happiness on her face. "What… what are we doing?"
"I thought we'd finalize the nursery layout," he replied, sitting up and pulling her close. "I want it perfect for our little one. And… you're the most important part of it."
Choosing the Nursery
The couple walked hand in hand to the nursery, sunlight bouncing off the pastel-colored walls. Dante had already started arranging furniture, but he stepped aside so Auri could take charge.
"Do you think pink or blue?" she asked softly, brushing her hand over the crib.
"Why not something neutral? Yellow, mint green… or maybe we pick something that changes with the baby's mood?" Dante teased, making Auri giggle.
"You're ridiculous," she said, laughing but blushing. "This is serious! It's our baby's room!"
"I know," he replied, grinning. "And I take it very seriously. That's why I need your opinion. You and our baby come first. Everything else comes second."
Auri felt warmth flooding her chest. "You're so thoughtful… I don't know how I got so lucky."
"You didn't get lucky," Dante said, leaning down to kiss her softly. "You earned me."
She rolled her eyes, laughing. "I'm not sure about that…"
"I think you are," he whispered with a smirk.
Decorating and Flirting
The next few hours were filled with laughter, soft teasing, and playful disagreements over nursery colors, furniture placement, and decorations.
"You want the stuffed animals on the top shelf?" Auri asked, looking doubtful.
Dante picked one up, holding it in front of her face. "Absolutely. But I think this one should go right beside you, so you don't feel lonely while I'm at work."
Auri laughed, swatting his chest lightly. "I'm not a stuffed animal!"
"I didn't say you were," he teased. "But you are soft, adorable, and I want you close always."
Her cheeks flushed as she glanced down at her belly. "You're ridiculous. I think the baby's already going to be spoiled with you around."
"You think? I was thinking you'd spoil it first," he said, gently rubbing her bump.
Auri smiled, leaning into his touch. "I suppose… maybe we'll spoil it together."
Taking a Break
After arranging the furniture, Dante led Auri to a cozy corner of the nursery, a little nook with cushions and a small reading lamp.
"Sit," he said softly, tugging her down onto the cushions. "I brought some books. We can start reading bedtime stories to our little one now."
Auri laughed, still amazed at how thoughtful he was. "We're starting this early?"
"It never hurts to prepare," Dante said, opening one of the storybooks. "Plus… I want to get used to reading to you too."
"Me?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course you," he said with a wink. "You'll be listening first, then the baby. I promise you, this is just the start of many things I'll do to make sure our family is happy."
Auri leaned against him, feeling his warmth. "You really… care about every little thing, don't you?"
"I care about you," Dante said softly, placing a gentle kiss on her temple. "And that's why everything else matters so little."
Evening — A Quiet Dinner at Home
As evening approached, Dante had the mansion staff prepare a simple dinner for them in the dining room. Candles flickered softly, casting a warm glow.
Auri looked around, marveling at the thoughtful setup. "You really spoil me," she said softly.
"I'm not spoiling you," he replied, smiling. "I'm showing you how much I love you. Every meal, every smile, every kiss… it all matters."
During dinner, they talked about baby names, nursery themes, and their plans for the next few months.
"Do you think the baby will have your stubbornness or my charm?" Dante asked, taking her hand.
"Both," she replied instantly, laughing. "And probably some attitude too."
"Perfect," he said, smiling. "Exactly what I want."
Auri felt a warmth in her chest, a mixture of love, happiness, and awe at how much their life had changed in such a short time.
Bedtime — Tender Moments
After dinner, Dante helped Auri back to their bedroom, where she rested against the pillows. He kissed her forehead and then her lips gently, making her heart flutter.
"You're going to be the best mother," he whispered. "And I'll be the best partner. We'll do this together."
"I… I just hope I can be as strong as you," she admitted, snuggling closer to him.
"You already are," Dante said softly, wrapping his arms around her. "Every day, I see it. Every little smile, every laugh, every tear… you're amazing, Auri. And the baby's going to know it too."
She rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too," he replied, pressing a long, tender kiss to her lips. "And I always will. No matter what."
As they drifted to sleep, Auri realized that life had changed completely—but in the best possible way. She was no longer alone. She had Dante, the baby, and the start of a family filled with love, laughter, and endless moments of joy.