Breaking Point (BWWM)

24. Encroach

A/N: Hey y'all, I wasn't too happy with my last chapter, but I hope this one can be a little more fulfilling for you guys to read. Sorry if it feels like the content is dragging, especially with such long periods between updates. I'm trying not to have too much filler in them so they have some substance. Let me know your thoughts on the pacing, I honestly feel like it's slowed down (don't worry it will definitely pick back up!). Anyways, thanks as always for your patience and feedback for me and the characters, I always appreciate you all taking the time to read, vote, and/or comment! Thanks!

Laurence was waiting for Lucy just outside the bathroom door, like always. She always startles when she sees his tall, looming figure leaned against the wall as he patiently waited. "I said you don't have to wait," she sighs, holding her bump when she feels some flutters.

He simply smiles at her, taking her I.V. stand for her and guiding it as she shuffles back to bed. Lucy sighs, she always felt flustered by his and Braxton's insistence to accompany her with as minimum distance as possible to allow her some privacy. Not that it mattered much, she was sure they could still hear her peeing from the other side of the wall. It feels embarrassing, but both of them said they wanted to be nearby in case she collapsed in there. And she supposes in Braxton's defense, that made perfect sense, as he had found her on the floor a couple of times in the last month. But she had hopes that with some proper medication they would let up at least a little bit.

She crawls back to her place in bed with a sigh, wishing she could get out of their bedroom already. She couldn't really do much when she was connected to a big fluid bag, though. And despite wanting to get up more, she still didn't have as much energy, but she was physically feeling better. And Laurence always lightens her mood with his presence.

He hands her book back to her, a bit of a fond smirk on his face. Lucy felt a tease coming on. Amused, she bites, "What?" She asks, opening the book back to her marked page.

Laurence chuckles, "I thought you preferred drama, adventure. Not that cheesy romance stuff,"

Lucy rolls her eyes, shaking her head with a smile, "You know your son said the same thing," she explained, which made him chuckle more. He briefly checks her I.V. to ensure it was still draining at a steady pace. "Besides, it's just a side plot."

"Well it wasn't written very well," he muttered, laughing when Lucy scoffs, feigning offense.

"You said you wouldn't read it...!" She defended, though she knew full well that he probably had. She didn't mind, this wasn't one of those novels she'd be embarrassed to get caught reading.

"I snuck a peek," he admitted. "You know, I read this science-fiction trilogy a few weeks ago, it had some good romance in it, too. Maybe you'll like that one," He offered, Lucy smiles. They always liked giving each other book recommendations, even if it wasn't the other's taste. Marlene always liked gothic and romantic novels, she gave Lucy an appreciation for the romantic genre.

She hears heavy footsteps, looking up when they stop by the door. Quietly, the door is opened, Braxton looks inside. Lucy sets her book in her lap, watching him come in. "Lunch is here," he announced, Lucy noticed his hands behind his back, brows knitting for a moment until he walked in.

"Hi Mama!" The chime of her son's husky voice rings in her ears, Lucy perks up with a gasp, leaning up to get a good look at him. Was he taller? It was hard to tell when he was clinging to his father like a koala. His hair looked a little longer on the top, though it was in need of some re-twisting. Most of all, his adorable, sweet face lit up like a Christmas tree, hazel eyes shining with excitement. He bounces eagerly, which made Braxton and Laurence chuckle. Lucy holds her hands out for him, watching her husband lift the boy off his back and set him beside her on the bed.