La Familià (Lim X Vergara Family) Au

XXII

The early morning sun gently filters through the curtains, casting a soft golden hue across the bedroom. Loyden is still asleep, her hand resting on her small baby bump. The quiet of the morning feels peaceful and intimate. Charles wakes up beside her, turning to watch her with a fond smile. It’s not their first time preparing for a baby, but the love and awe haven’t faded.

She leans over, carefully brushing a lock of hair from her face, her fingertips grazing her cheek in the softest touch. Loyden stirs, a small smile tugging at her lips before her eyes flutter open. She looks up at her with that familiar warmth.

"Morning..."

Charles grins, leaning down to kiss her forehead, her voice soft and full of affection. "Good morning, Hom. How are my girls doing?"

She places a hand gently over her belly, and Loyden chuckles softly, her hand joining her.

"We’re okay. She let me sleep a little longer today."

Charles’ face lights up as she leans closer, speaking to her belly in a playful, loving tone. "Thanks for letting Mommy rest, little one." She whispered

Loyden laughs quietly at her familiar gesture, her eyes sparkling with affection. She watches her as she shifts to place a tender kiss on her belly, the weight of their shared experience deepening the moment.

"You’ve got this whole ‘dada of two’ thing down already."

Charles grins, moving back up to meet her gaze. She rests her forehead against hers, her voice filled with warmth and nostalgia. "Well, I’ve had some practice. And Selah’s been preparing me for the chaos."

Loyden chuckles at the mention of their firstborn, Selah, who is likely still asleep in her room. The thought of their little girl running around the house fills the room with a comforting sense of family.

"Oh, you know she’s going to be a handful once her sister’s here. She’s already asking when the baby will come every morning."

Charles laughs softly, imagining Selah’s excitement. She sits up slightly, looking down at Loyden with a mixture of love and anticipation.
"She’s ready to be a big sister. And I think we’re ready for round two, don’t you?"

Loyden nods, her hand resting over her  their fingers intertwined over her bump. "I think we are. It’s different this time, but... in a good way."

Charles smiles, leaning down to kiss her again, this time slower, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment before the chaos of parenthood kicks in again. They’ve been through this once before, but the excitement of a new chapter fills the air.

"I love you, you know that? And I love our family. I wouldn’t change a thing."

Loyden’s eyes soften as she looks at him, her heart full. "I love you too. We’re in this together."

They share a peaceful, lingering moment, the morning light washing over them as they bask in the quiet before the day begins. Outside, they can hear faint sounds of the house waking up likely Selah stirring in her room. But for now, it’s just them, holding onto this serene, romantic start to their day.

The kitchen is filled with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the soft clatter of dishes. Charles, dressed for work in a crisp shirt and tie, is finishing her breakfast at the counter while glancing at her watch. Across the room, Loyden is sitting at the table, sipping tea, her belly slightly visible under a flowy top. The clock on the wall shows that it’s nearing time for Charles and Selah to leave.

"Selah! You’re going to be late if you don’t get down here soon!"

From upstairs, the faint sound of hurried footsteps echoes down the hall, followed by Selah’s voice, slightly panicked."I’m coming! I just can’t find my history book!"

Charles chuckles, shaking her head as he takes another sip of coffee. She walks over to the fridge to grab her lunch bag.

"Every morning, it’s the same scramble. You’d think she’d have this figured out by now."

Loyden smiles knowingly, resting her hand on her belly as she watches Charles. She gestures with her tea mug."She gets it from you. Always in a rush."

Just then, Selah bursts into the kitchen, her schoolbag slung over one shoulder, still adjusting her uniform. She looks slightly frazzled but determined as she grabs an apple from the counter."Found it! Let’s go, Dada!"

Charles smiles at her, her  expression softening. She pulls out her car keys and waves them with a playful grin.
"Alright, alright. Let’s get moving, Miss Senior Year. You have everything now?"

Selah pauses, mentally checking her list, before nodding with a small laugh. "Yeah, I think I’m good."

As she heads toward the door, Loyden calls after her, her voice filled with motherly concern.
"Don’t forget your lunch, Selah!"

Selah spins on her heel, rushing back to grab the lunch bag her mom packed. She gives Loyden a quick kiss on the cheek, her voice hurried but affectionate. "Thanks, Mom! Love you!"

Charles leans down to kiss Loyden’s forehead as well, her voice more tender now.

"See you later, uyab ko. Take it easy today."

"You too. Drive safe, both of you."

Charles and Selah head out the door, the soft clink of keys in Charles’ hand as they walk to the car. Outside, the morning is crisp, the sun just beginning to rise. Charles unlocks the car and they both hop in, the engine humming to life.

As they pull out of the driveway, the radio softly plays in the background. Selah glances at Charles, adjusting her seatbelt.

"Thanks for waiting for me, Dada."

Charles smirks, glancing at her with a teasing glint in her eye."Like I had a choice."

They both laugh, the familiar back-and-forth between father and daughter easing into the routine of the morning commute. The car weaves through the quiet streets as they head toward Selah’s school, the day ahead full of work and classes, but for now, they enjoy the simple company of each other.