❥𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

Chapter 98

Valerie

I tried not to rustle too loudly with my blanket as I stirred awake and turned on my side.
His warmth immediately crawled over my skin, his steady breaths and quiet noises of sleep making my heart flutter. Charles was laying on his back, eyes closed, his chest lifting and sinking evenly. Back sleepers - never understood them.

I looked at him for a few more moments, the peaceful expression on his face, the slight smile etched to the corner of his lips. Kissable. Very much so.
I held myself back, not wanting to wake him up. Not yet.
He was supposed to get a perfect morning and breakfast for his birthday.

I carefully left the bed and tiptoed to the bathroom, beginning to get ready. Combed my hair, brushed my teeth, put some hydrating cream under my eyes and around my nose.
I lifted my arms to pull my pyjama shirt over my head - the white one with little red cars on it - and studied the mirror for a beat too long.
My hands wandered to my yet flat stomach, my eyes lingering on it through the mirror. A little life was growing inside there. A child. Our child.

I was so drifted away into my own thoughts that I nearly startled when warm, large hands covered mine on my belly, and Charles rested his chin on my shoulder, meeting my gaze in our reflection.
"How are my two babies this morning?" His voice was still raspy from sleep, sending a welcome shiver down my spine. His hair was in all directions, and looked perfectly tempting to comb through.

I immediately turned around in his embrace, wrapping my arms around his neck and connecting our lips. He was probably surprised by my sudden action of affection, but didn't seem to mind at all.
"We're good," I grinned, rubbing small circles on the back of his neck.

My gaze wandered over his face, and my smile only got wider. Then, I leaned in to kiss him once more, tenderly this time. "Happy birthday, mi amor," I said happily, his arms closing around my back. "You're getting old."

He scoffed teasingly, pulling me closer to his bare chest. "I'm aging like fine wine," he countered, if not a bit offended, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.
I studied him thoughtfully. "I do like me a good wine."

His dimples showed, and before I knew it, he pulls me in for yet another kiss, so deep my lungs forgot what they were supposed to do for an instant.
Then, a kiss to my temple. To my cheek. To my nose.

"It's your birthday," I mentioned, my eyes closed. "Shouldn't I be spoiling you?"

A chuckle emerged deep from his throat, vibrating against my lips. "Do I have to make my love for you dependent on the day now?"

My hand delved into his hair, putting it in one, smooth direction. "How about every day, then?"

"On it," he mused, his mouth finding my cheek again, kissing along my jawline.

My skin was on fire, just from his simple affection. I exhaled deeply, tugging at his hair to make him look at me again.
"I hope we can celebrate many more birthdays together," I mumbled thoughtfully, my thumb brushing against his cheek. He smiled. And kissed me another time before spinning me around again. His chin was on my shoulder again, admiring our reflection in the mirror.
His hands wandered down, gently placing above my belly. "Me, too... and next year onward, there will be three of us."

My heart jumped inside my chest, my body growing warm and cozy.
"I still can't believe it," he then murmured into my neck, drawing a small circle on my skin.

I hummed, and we stayed like this for longer than we both realized, simply finding comfort in the sight and feeling.

"You know," Charles eventually broke the silence, tilting his head to look at me. "Since it's my birthday, am I not supposed to get presents?"