Recollection

thirty-six | peanut

song: So This Is Love (from Cinderella)

I woke up the next afternoon feeling less sick, though the weakness in my bones lingered. It was probably from the cold that had clung to me for the next few days since I came back from Ireland with Atticus, but at least my head wasn't pounding anymore. Wrapping a blanket around my shoulders like a makeshift cape, I padded softly around the house, my footsteps quiet against the floor. My destination was a cup of hot chocolate from the kitchen.

When I reached the stairs leading to the living room, I stopped, my hand lingering on the railing. A small smile tugged at my lips as I peered down and into the living room.

Seraphina was sprawled on the couch, her nine-month-pregnant belly rising and falling with her steady breaths. Asa lay beside her, his head resting on her stomach, speaking softly to her belly. His voice was warm, teasing, and full of wonder.

"When are you going to come out, little peanut?" Asa murmured, his hand gently resting on the side of the curve of Sera's belly. "We're dying to meet you."

As if responding, the baby kicked, and they both laughed. Seraphina ran her fingers through Asa's hair, brushing strands away from his forehead, her touch soft and affectionate.

"Your mama is tired, baby," Asa said, lowering his head to press a kiss to her belly. "Why don't you give her a break and come meet us?" he smiled as if he got a small kick in return.

Seraphina chuckled, her fingers now tracing Asa's jaw. "You're just as impatient as I am. I think Peanut's holding out to make an entrance."

The sight of them, so tender and full of joy, filled my heart until it ached. Asa, who had once seemed so adrift, now looked... happy. Genuinely happy. It made my chest swell with warmth and pride.

I must've lingered too long because Asa glanced up and spotted me. A grin spread across his face, and he waved me over. "Hey, nugget. Stop lurking up there and come sit with us."

Caught, I sheepishly descended the stairs, still clutching my blanket like a lifeline. "I wasn't lurking," I said, though my cheeks burned.

"Sure, sure," Asa teased, scooting over to make room for me on the couch.

Seraphina smiled, her face glowing despite her exhaustion. "Come here, Lia." She patted the spot beside her. "We were just talking about baby names. Maybe you can help settle Asa's ridiculous suggestions."

"Ridiculous?" Asa feigned offense, pressing a hand to his chest. "Peanut would be a great name. It's unique. Memorable."

I laughed as I sank into the couch between them, letting the warmth of their presence chase away the remnants of my illness. "Peanut is adorable... for a nickname," I said pointedly. "What were your actual ideas?"

Asa leaned back, crossing his arms. "I'm still pushing for something strong, like Remo or Hunter if it's a boy. And if it's a girl, how about Amara?"

"Amara's pretty," I admitted.

Seraphina shook her head with a soft laugh. "He wants all these dramatic names. Meanwhile, I'm over here thinking about sweet, classic ones. Like Emma for a girl. Or maybe Dante for a boy."

"Dante's nice," I said thoughtfully. "It feels... warm."

"See?" Seraphina nudged Asa playfully. "Even Lia agrees with me."

"Traitor," Asa muttered, but his grin never faltered.

The three of us bantered back and forth, tossing out name ideas and debating their merits. There was so much love in the room, so much light, that for a moment, I forgot about the ache in my bones or the chill outside. It was just us— a family, in the way that mattered most.

The sound of the doorbell cut through our laughter and I excused myself to answer the door. I didn't want to separate them.

"I'll get it," I said, untangling myself from the blanket and rising to my feet.

As I opened the door, a blur of motion threw itself at me. Arms wrapped tightly around my shoulders, and I froze as muffled sobs filled my ears. A woman was clinging to me, her body trembling as she cried, her words spilling out in broken fragments I couldn't make sense of.

"Lia," she choked out. "I..."

My heart stuttered as realization dawned.

Behind her stood her man in all his glory, his face etched with quiet relief, but my focus stayed on the woman in front of me. Her arms, her voice.

"I'm so sorry"

I hugged her back, my own tears slipping free. She was here. After everything, she was finally here.

"I missed you," I whispered, my voice cracking a little.

Her sobs deepened, and she clung to me tighter. "I'm sorry."

For a moment, everything else faded. Asa and Seraphina's laughter, the weight of the house around us, the threat still lurking outside—none of it mattered. All that mattered was this. She had found her way back to me.

𖤓

Hello my beautiful bebs,

How are you all doing?

I know the chapter is small but I didn't have enough time this week.

I'm hoping to have more time during the holidays and finally be able to finish the book.

See ya next week my firecrackers.

Lots of love

Xoxo- Tina

💋💖

Ps. Name suggestions for baby boy or baby girl?