CHAPTER 57 — CHECKUPS AND CARE
Morning at the Mansion
Auri woke up to the soft glow of morning sunlight filtering through the curtains of Dante's mansion. She yawned and stretched, feeling the familiar fluttering in her stomach—a reminder of the little life growing inside her.
Dante was already awake, standing by the window with a cup of coffee in his hand. When he noticed her stirring, his face softened into a smile.
"Good morning, beautiful," he said warmly. "How are you feeling today?"
Auri sat up slowly, her hair falling around her face. "Morning… a little tired, but okay. I think I'm ready for the hospital visit today."
"Good," Dante said, walking toward her. "I've already scheduled everything. Our appointment is at 10 a.m., and I'll be right there with you the whole time."
Auri smiled, feeling a mix of nervousness and comfort. "I just hope everything's fine… for the baby."
"Everything will be fine," Dante said firmly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm not taking any chances. And I'll make sure our little one is perfectly healthy."
Traveling to the Hospital
Dante drove them to the hospital in his sleek car, his hand resting on Auri's as they spoke quietly about the baby's upcoming needs.
"You know," Dante said, glancing at her, "I still can't believe we're really doing this. We're going to be parents."
Auri chuckled softly, but a nervous flutter ran through her chest. "I know… it feels surreal. Sometimes I still wonder if I'm ready for everything."
"You're more than ready," Dante reassured her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "And I'll be by your side every step of the way. You won't have to do anything alone."
She smiled but stayed quiet for a moment, watching the city blur past the car window. "I just… I can't stop thinking about everything that could go wrong. What if the baby isn't healthy?"
Dante turned his gaze fully on her. "Auri, look at me. Nothing will go wrong. Our baby is strong because you're strong. And I'll make sure of it. I promise."
Her eyes softened as she leaned her head against his shoulder. "You make it sound so easy," she whispered.
"Because it will be, with us together," he replied with a smile.
Hospital Routine Checkup
Upon arriving at the hospital, the staff greeted them warmly, already familiar with their visits. Auri felt a twinge of anxiety as they walked toward the OBGYNE's office.
"Deep breaths," Dante whispered, holding her hand. "You're doing great."
The doctor greeted them cheerfully. "Hello, Auri! Hello, Dante! Are we ready for the checkup today?"
"Yes," Auri said softly, squeezing Dante's hand.
The doctor began examining Auri, measuring her belly, checking the baby's heartbeat, and monitoring her vitals. Dante watched attentively, occasionally brushing a strand of hair from her face or whispering little words of encouragement.
"You're doing amazing," he said softly as the doctor applied the ultrasound gel. "I can already feel how strong you are."
Auri's eyes glistened with emotion. "I… I just want our baby to be healthy," she whispered.
Dante pressed a kiss to her temple. "And it is. Look."
The ultrasound screen displayed the tiny form of their baby, moving slightly. The rhythmic heartbeat filled the room. Auri's eyes welled up with tears of joy.
"Oh my… Dante… it's… it's real," she breathed.
"It's very real," Dante said, his eyes shining. "And it's ours."
Bonding Moments During the Visit
After the ultrasound, the doctor showed them more details: the baby's growth, development, and general health. Auri listened intently, occasionally asking questions. Dante answered gently whenever she looked worried.
"You're amazing," he said quietly, brushing her hair behind her ear again. "You're keeping this little one alive and happy, and you don't even realize how strong you are."
Auri laughed lightly through her tears. "I feel so emotional today. I… I don't know if I can handle all of this."
"You're handling it beautifully," Dante said firmly. "And I'll help with everything. I want you to enjoy this, not stress."
They left the doctor's office with a feeling of relief and happiness, Dante keeping a protective arm around her waist as they walked down the corridor.
Lunch and Laughter
After the hospital visit, Dante insisted on taking Auri to a quiet café nearby. They sat across from each other, laughing as they shared small bites of food.
"You're way too spoiled," Auri teased. "You've done everything for me today."
"And I'll keep doing everything for you," Dante replied, smiling. "That's my job now—making sure you and our baby are happy and safe."
"I don't even know what to say…" Auri said softly.
"You don't have to say anything," he said, leaning forward and kissing her hand. "Your smile says everything I need to hear."
Afternoon — A Quiet Walk
After lunch, they took a quiet walk in a nearby park. Dante held her hand, gently supporting her as they strolled along the shaded path.
"Do you ever think about the future?" Auri asked, her voice soft. "Like… what kind of parents we'll be?"
"All the time," Dante admitted. "And I think we'll be amazing. Not perfect, but amazing. And our baby will feel all the love we have."
Auri looked up at him, heart swelling. "I feel so lucky… that it's you. That it's all real."
"Lucky?" Dante teased. "No, Auri… I'm the lucky one."
She laughed, resting her head against his shoulder. "I think we're both lucky."
"Yes," he said softly. "Because we have each other. And nothing else matters."
Evening — Heading Home
By the evening, they returned to Dante's mansion. Auri felt exhausted but happy. Dante helped her settle into the bedroom, arranging pillows around her so she could rest comfortably.
"I'll stay here with you," he said, brushing a kiss across her forehead. "Even when I have work, I'll keep checking on you. And when I can, I'll be right here."
"I… I feel so safe with you," Auri whispered.
"You always will," Dante said firmly, holding her close. "Our little family… it's just the beginning. And I'll make sure every day is full of love, laughter, and happiness."
Auri smiled, resting her head against his chest. She finally felt at peace, knowing Dante's love, care, and devotion would guide them through everything—pregnancy, parenthood, and beyond.
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Auri woke up slowly, feeling the familiar flutter in her stomach. Dante was already awake, sipping coffee by the window.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," he said, smiling warmly. "Ready to start our nursery adventure?"
Auri stretched and yawned. "Morning… I think so. But I feel a bit… off today. Nausea."
"That's why I insisted on today off from work," Dante said, coming over to brush her hair back. "We're going to do everything slowly. No rush, no stress. Just us and the baby."
Auri smiled, leaning into him. "I'm so lucky you're… like this."
"You don't even know how lucky I am," Dante whispered, pressing a kiss to her temple.
They started in the nursery, looking at the pastel walls, crib, and furniture they had purchased a few days before.
"What if we paint one wall with a little mural? Stars, clouds… something magical?" Auri suggested.
Dante's eyes lit up. "Perfect. We can even put a small reading nook here." He gestured to a corner. "I'll sit there reading stories, and you can spoil the baby with cuddles."
Auri giggled. "You spoil me enough already, you know."
"I plan to spoil both of you," he said, brushing a soft kiss across her cheek.
They spent the morning arranging furniture, deciding where the crib would go, placing tiny stuffed animals, and laughing at their small disagreements over colors.
"You want the stars gold?" Auri asked.
"Silver," Dante countered. "They'll match the moon lamp I bought."
"Fine… silver it is," she laughed, rolling her eyes. "You really thought of everything, huh?"
"Everything for my family," he said softly, looking at her with adoration.
After a morning of setting up, Dante took her to a small café near the mansion for lunch.
"You're adorable when you're indecisive," he teased as she debated over what sandwich to order.
"I'm not indecisive," she said, blushing. "I just… want it to be perfect for the baby."
"You already are perfect," he said softly, reaching across the table to take her hand. "And our baby's going to know it."
Auri laughed and squeezed his hand. "You're ridiculous."
"And you love it," he said with a wink.
She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop smiling.
Shopping for Baby Clothes
After lunch, Dante drove Auri to a high-end baby boutique. Rows of tiny clothes, shoes, and accessories filled the store. Auri's eyes widened.
"Look at this tiny dress!" she exclaimed. "It's so… cute!"
"I know," Dante said, picking up a small blue romper. "I was thinking… our baby would look adorable in this."
Auri blushed. "Are you… buying all of this?"
"Absolutely," he said, winking. "But I want your opinion. You're the mommy, you get the final say."
They spent hours picking clothes, blankets, and small toys, laughing and teasing each other over choices.
"You want this hat?" Dante asked, holding a little beanie.
Auri laughed. "It's… ridiculous."
"No, it's adorable. And our baby's going to wear it," he said, grinning.
"You're going to spoil them," she said softly, leaning against his shoulder.
"Just like I spoil you," he replied, pressing a soft kiss to her temple.
Evening — Setting Up the Nursery Together
Back at the mansion, they started arranging everything in the nursery. Auri placed tiny toys and books on the shelves while Dante adjusted the mobile above the crib.
"You know," he said, glancing at her, "I can't stop looking at you."
Auri blushed. "Stop… it's a little distracting."
"I like distracting you," he said with a mischievous smile. "Makes me feel like I'm winning."
"You're impossible," she whispered, shaking her head but smiling.
Dante moved closer, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "But you love it."
"I… maybe a little," she admitted, her cheeks heating up.
After the nursery was mostly set, Dante pulled Auri close. "You've been so strong today. I want to take care of you now."
Auri leaned into him, letting herself melt against his warmth. "I love how much you care… I don't even know what I'd do without you."
"You'll never have to find out," he whispered, pressing his lips softly against hers. "I'm here… always."
They sat on the floor of the nursery, wrapped in each other's arms, laughing, whispering, and stealing soft kisses as the sun set behind the mansion windows.
"You're spoiling me again," Auri said softly, resting her head against his chest.
"You deserve it," he replied. "Both of you… you and our baby."
Auri closed her eyes, feeling completely safe, completely loved, and completely ready to welcome the next chapter of their lives together.