Pulse of the Beat

CHAPTER 27: Kicks, Cravings, and Emotional Waves

💔sorry this chapter is short, I almost fell asleep writing it so my apologies if it's not what you expected

❤️‍🩹Enjoy!!!!

The early morning light filtered through the curtains of Lucy and Tim's bedroom, casting a soft glow over the room. Lucy stirred, her body feeling both heavy and light all at once, the familiar weight of her growing belly a constant reminder of the little life inside her. She blinked a few times, taking in the peacefulness of the room, before a tired smile tugged at her lips. Tim, as always, lay beside her, still fast asleep.

Gently, she shifted in bed, trying not to wake him, but the movement was enough to make Tim stir. His eyes fluttered open, a sleepy grin forming as he caught sight of her.

"Morning," he murmured, voice husky with sleep.

Lucy rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face didn't fade. "Morning. I didn't mean to wake you."

Tim reached out, pulling her closer despite the obvious obstacle of her belly between them. "You didn't. Besides, I like waking up to you."

Lucy let out a soft laugh as she nestled into his side. "You're such a sap."

Tim's hand rested on her belly, gently rubbing circles across her skin. "You love it."

She did. More than she could ever admit aloud. But today, instead of teasing him back, she just sighed contentedly, enjoying the quiet intimacy between them.

"How're you feeling?" Tim asked, his voice laced with concern as he glanced down at her belly, always mindful of how her pregnancy was progressing.

"Excited," Lucy admitted, shifting slightly to get more comfortable. "But tired too."

"That's because you don't let yourself rest," Tim teased, though there was a serious note beneath his light tone. "You're not a machine, Lucy. You need to slow down."

Lucy shot him a defiant look, though it was softened by the affection in her eyes. "I'm fine. You worry too much."

Tim raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "I think that's my job now. You, on the other hand, are supposed to be taking it easy. You've got a few months left before she's here, and I don't want you overworking yourself."

Lucy sighed, a mixture of frustration and fondness for him. "I'm still going to work, Tim. I'm not going to stop just because you're nervous."

"I'm not nervous," Tim replied, though his eyes betrayed him as they glanced down at her belly again. "I'm just... protective."

"I know." Lucy smiled, leaning up to press a quick kiss to his lips. "And I love you for it. But I can handle this, okay?"

Tim looked at her, his blue eyes filled with a tenderness that always managed to melt her heart. "I know you can. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to keep an eye on you."

Lucy smirked. "I'd expect nothing less."

She sat up and began to undress, her nightgown slipping down her shoulders as she prepared to get ready for the day. As she did, Tim's gaze followed her, a playful glint in his eyes.

"You know," he said with a teasing smirk, "your butt has gotten even bouncier since the pregnancy. Better than before."

Lucy glanced back at him, rolling her eyes again. "Really? That's what you notice?"

Tim leaned over, his hand coming down to playfully slap her backside. "Oh yeah. And don't even get me started on your breasts," he added with a grin. "I don't think they can fit in my hands anymore."