Chenford discovering love

Countdown 3..2..1..

The early morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the bedroom. Tim stirred first, his eyes blinking open as he shifted under the blanket. The room was quiet, save for the gentle sound of his daughter Liv's breathing. He turned his head and smiled. Liv, as always, had made her way into their bed during the night. She was snuggled close to Lucy, her little hand tucked protectively inside Lucy's top, a habit she'd never grown out of. Lucy's arm was draped over Liv, her hand resting gently on her very pregnant belly, as if cradling their unborn child even in sleep.

Tim watched them both for a moment, his heart swelling with love. Liv had her small body pressed against Lucy's round bump, and as Tim admired the peaceful scene, he noticed the baby moving beneath Lucy's skin. It was subtle at first, a gentle shift, but then it became more pronounced. Lucy stirred, her face twitching slightly, and a soft moan escaped her lips in response to the baby's movement.

Tim couldn't resist. He reached over and placed his hand on her belly, feeling the flutter of their baby beneath his palm. The connection hit him in a way that made his breath catch in his throat.

Lucy's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled sleepily at him. "Morning," she whispered, her voice soft and a little groggy.

"Morning," Tim replied, his voice just as quiet, careful not to wake Liv. "Someone's being active today," he added, rubbing gentle circles on her belly.

Lucy chuckled, her eyes still half-closed. "He's definitely getting impatient. I don't blame him," she sighed, her hand sliding over Tim's. "I'm ready to meet him too."

Tim leaned over and kissed her forehead tenderly. "Soon," he promised, though he wasn't sure if he was talking to Lucy or himself.

As the morning went on, the house filled with the usual sounds of their routine. Tim moved to the kitchen, pulling out ingredients to make breakfast while Lucy stayed on the couch, her legs propped up, with Liv nestled beside her. Liv had her head resting on Lucy's bump now, gazing down at her mother's stomach with big, curious eyes.

"I want my brother to be here now," Liv said softly, her little voice filled with longing.

Lucy smiled down at her, stroking Liv's hair. "I know, sweetheart. He'll be here soon."

Tim glanced over from where he was flipping pancakes on the stove, watching the two of them. "He's just waiting for the perfect time, Liv," Tim chimed in. "Maybe he's waiting for you to build him the best sandcastle first."

Liv's face lit up at the idea. "Yeah! We can build one at the beach!"

"That's the plan, kiddo," Tim said with a grin, turning back to the stove. Lucy's favourite place was the beach. She sought so much comfort and joy from it. Liv being her mums double also loved it.

The beach was perfect, a golden stretch of sand bathed in sunlight, the waves gently lapping against the shore. Tim and Lucy sat together, watching Liv run ahead, her excitement boundless as she sprinted toward the water, her little feet kicking up sand behind her.

Tim stood, calling Liv over as he began the foundation for a sandcastle. The pair worked together, building and shaping, laughing when the tower would crumble under Liv's too-eager hands. After a while, they took turns chasing each other down the shoreline, splashing through the shallow waves.

Lucy watched them with a hand resting on her bump, her heart full as she saw Tim run after their daughter, scooping her up into his arms. She couldn't help but smile at how he was always pushing himself to be present, to be the best father he could be. But at the same time, she worried.

"Don't overdo it, Tim!" she called, though she knew it would fall on deaf ears. He shot her a playful wink, lifting Liv higher into the air, making her squeal with delight.