Stolen Dance | Finn Morgan *Editing (Soon)*

Chapter 16

Evelyn sat on the couch in the living room, her swollen belly resting under her hands as she idly flipped through a parenting book. Gigi was sprawled out on the rug with crayons and coloring books, humming a tune to herself. The late afternoon sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room.

“Honey, what are you drawing?” Evelyn asked, tilting her head to look at her sister.

Gigi held up her paper proudly. “It’s you, me, Daddy, and the baby!” she said. The drawing was a chaotic mix of colors and shapes, but Evelyn could clearly make out a stick-figure version of herself with a round belly, standing next to a smaller stick figure labeled “Me.”

Evelyn smiled, her heart warming. “That’s beautiful, sweetheart. You’re going to be the best big sister ever.”

Gigi grinned, but her expression turned serious as she scooted closer to Evelyn. “Do you think the baby will like me?” she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

“Oh, Gigi,” Evelyn said softly, setting her book aside and pulling Gigi into a hug. “The baby is going to adore you. You’re kind, sweet, and so much fun.”

Gigi snuggled into Evelyn’s side, her small hand resting on Evelyn’s belly. “I can’t wait to meet him..or her. Do you think they’ll come out today?”

Evelyn chuckled, though she winced slightly as the baby shifted inside her. “Anytime now. We’ll have to wait and see. Babies like to keep us guessing.”

Just then, the phone rang, interrupting their moment. Evelyn reached over and picked it up. “Hello?”

It was Finn. His voice was warm and cheerful as always. “Hey, love. How are my two favorite girls doing?”

“We’re good,” Evelyn said, her voice softening at the sound of him. “Gigi made a drawing of our little family. She’s very excited for the baby to arrive.”

Finn laughed. “And how’s my beautiful wife? Any signs of the little one making their debut?”

Evelyn sighed, glancing down at her belly. “Not yet. But I swear, if I get any bigger, I’m going to need a crane to get off this couch.”

Finn chuckled. “Hang in there, darling. You’re doing amazing. I’ll be home in a few hours, and we can relax together.”

Evelyn smiled, her tension easing slightly. “Sounds perfect. Drive safe, okay?”

“Always,” Finn said. “Love you.”

“Love you too,” Evelyn replied, hanging up the phone.

_____________

Later.

Rory parked the car in front of her mother’s house, turning off the engine as she glanced at Evelyn in the passenger seat.

The sisters walked up the porch steps, Evelyn holding her belly protectively as she knocked on the door. Luke answered, wiping his hands on a dish towel. His face lit up in a small smile. “Hey, come on in. Lorelai’s on the couch, watching one of her shows.”

“Smells good in here,” Evelyn said as they stepped inside. The aroma of roasted vegetables and chicken wafted from the kitchen. “Cooking something fancy?”

Luke shrugged. “Just dinner. She’s been feeling... tired lately, so I figured I’d handle it.”

Evelyn’s heart tightened at the mention of her mother being tired. She exchanged a glance with Rory, who didn’t say anything but followed her into the living room. Lorelai was sprawled on the couch, a blanket thrown over her as she watched an old movie.