I stood by the nursery window, watching sunlight dance across walls painted a soft shade of blue. The room had transformed over the past months from a forgotten space into the heart of Thorne Estate, filled with love and anticipation. My hands cradled my swollen belly as I felt another kick from the little one inside me.
"Active today, aren't we?" I murmured, smiling as I felt another push against my palm.
The nursery door opened quietly behind me. I didn't need to turn to know who it was—Alaric's presence filled any room he entered, even more so now that he moved with nearly his former strength.
"Should you be standing so long?" His deep voice carried that mixture of concern and authority that once intimidated me but now wrapped around me like a protective embrace.
