Pulse of the Beat

CHAPTER 28: No Rest for the Stubborn

💔Sorry! Short again

but i promise, the following chapters will be longer

Enjoy!!!😘

Lucy sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing her belly gently as the morning light filtered through the curtains. She was eight months pregnant, and the weight of the world seemed to rest on her shoulders—but that didn't stop her. It couldn't.

Tim, watching her from the bathroom doorway, raised an eyebrow. "You sure you're up for this today?"

Lucy shot him a determined look, tugging on her shirt as she stood up. "Of course I am. I'm not taking maternity leave until I absolutely have to."

Tim approached her slowly, wrapping his arms around her from behind, his hands resting on her belly. "Luce, you don't have to prove anything. You're already the strongest person I know."

Leaning back into him, she sighed but didn't waver. "I know. But I'm fine, Tim. I just have to take it slow, that's all."

Tim kissed her temple softly. "Slow? That's not in your vocabulary."

Lucy turned in his arms, looking up at him with a smirk. "I can slow down. You'll see."

With a playful eye roll, Tim released her, helping her into her jacket. He couldn't argue with her when she had that determined look on her face. Still, the worry gnawed at him. He'd seen her push through pain before—this was no different, but now it wasn't just her; it was the baby too.

As they headed downstairs, Lucy paused briefly, one hand on her back as she winced from a sudden pang of discomfort. Tim caught the slight grimace, his concern deepening. "You sure you don't want to take it easy today?"

"I'm fine," she said, straightening up, her voice as firm as ever.

They entered the kitchen, where Tamara was already seated with the twins, Ethan and Emma, munching on their breakfast.

"Morning, Supermom," Tamara greeted with a grin, gesturing to Lucy's belly. "How are you feeling today?"

"Still unstoppable," Lucy replied with a wink, though she took a slow, measured step to sit down.

"Mommy!" Ethan called, reaching out with his tiny hands, his face lighting up when he saw her. Emma mirrored him, their adorable voices pulling a soft smile from Lucy.

She kissed both of their heads before sinking into a chair. Tim handed her a glass of orange juice, watching her closely as she engaged with the twins, her eyes occasionally narrowing in discomfort but never complaining.

"You need to listen to your body," Tamara said as she passed Lucy a plate. "It's not gonna hurt to slow down a little, you know."

Lucy gave her a mock glare. "Not you too."

Tamara shrugged, smiling. "Hey, I'm just saying—Angela told me the same thing when she was pregnant with Jackson, and she regretted not slowing down sooner."

Tim glanced at Tamara, silently thanking her for backing him up. Lucy, on the other hand, chuckled as she took a sip of her juice.

"I'll be fine. Just gotta get through the day."

Tim wasn't convinced, but he knew Lucy's stubborn streak all too well. After breakfast, he helped her up, noticing the way her hand immediately went to her lower back again.

"Take it easy," he muttered under his breath as they headed to the door.

"I will," she replied, though the look in her eyes told a different story.