Never Not You

Bath time

The evening sun bathed the living room in a warm, golden light. On the plush sofa, Leah sat cross-legged, her face lit with a playful smile as she leaned over Mateo who was nestled in a soft blanket, his tiny hands reaching out toward Leah, who wiggled her fingers above him in an impromptu game of "catch."

"Are you gonna get me, little man?" Leah cooed, her voice soft and teasing as Mateo let out a series of delighted babbles. His wide, curious eyes followed her every move, and he gurgled with laughter when she gently tickled his belly.

"Oh, you're such a smart boy, aren't you?" Leah continued, her tone dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I bet you know exactly what I'm saying."

Mateo responded with another happy babble, his small fists closing and opening in excitement. Leah grinned, feeling her heart swell with affection for the baby she had come to adore as if he were her own.

"You know, Mateo," she began, her voice softening with sincerity, "I've been thinking a lot about your mummy lately." She paused, glancing toward the hallway that led to the studio where Aurora was recording. Assured they were alone, she turned back to Mateo, her heart pounding with anticipation. "I think it's time I ask her something really important."

Mateo's response was a high-pitched giggle, his tiny legs kicking out in excitement. Leah chuckled, taking his enthusiastic reaction as a sign of approval.

"But I'm going to need your help, little man," Leah said, lowering her face closer to his. "You see, your mummy... she means the world to me. And I want to make sure we're a proper family, all three of us." She gently tapped Mateo's nose, making him squeal with joy. "So, what do you say? Will you help me ask her to be my girlfriend? We'll make it special, just for her."

Unbeknownst to Leah, Aurora had quietly stepped out of the studio, drawn by the sweet sounds of Leah's voice and Mateo's giggles. She paused just outside the living room, her heart fluttering as she listened to the conversation unfolding between her son and the woman who had become such an integral part of their lives.

Leah continued, unaware that Aurora was standing just a few feet away. "You think she'll say yes? I hope so, buddy. Because I can't imagine my life without either of you in it."

Mateo responded with another delighted gurgle, and Leah laughed softly, brushing a gentle kiss on his forehead. "That's the spirit. We're in this together, yeah? Team Leah and Mateo."

At that moment, Aurora stepped into the room, her heart full to bursting. "Team Leah and Mateo, huh?" she said, her voice warm and teasing, though her eyes shimmered with emotion.

Leah froze, her face flushing as she realized she'd been caught. But when she looked up and saw the soft, affectionate smile on Aurora's face, her nerves melted away.

Aurora walked over to them, her eyes filled with love as she watched Leah and Mateo together. Without saying a word, she reached out and gently caressed Leah's cheek, her touch warm and comforting. Leah leaned into her hand, smiling up at Aurora, but as they leaned in for a tender kiss, Mateo let out a loud babble, reaching his tiny arms toward his mother.

Aurora chuckled and looked down at her son, his eyes wide and expectant as he reached for her. "Oh, does someone want some attention?" she teased, her voice full of affection.

Mateo responded with a delighted coo, his legs kicking in excitement as Aurora scooped him up. "There we go," Aurora said softly, bringing him close and covering his face with gentle kisses. "All the attention for mi pequeńo amor."

Mateo giggled, his tiny hands grabbing onto Aurora's hair as she continued her affectionate onslaught. His laughter was pure and uninhibited, filling the room with joy. Aurora couldn't help but smile, her heart swelling with every sound he made.