Never Not You

And so it begins

A/N: I know nothing about the IVF process so this may be wrong but this is how it's happening

The hum of the plane's engines lulled the cabin into a peaceful quiet as the flight to Barcelona cruised through the sky. Seated comfortably in business class, Leah leaned back in her seat, one hand resting protectively on Mateo's tiny body as he slept soundly in her lap. The decision to keep him awake all morning had been a masterstroke—by the time the plane took off, he was too exhausted to fight sleep. His small chest rose and fell steadily, and every now and then, his lips pursed as if dreaming about something sweet.

Aurora, sitting beside them, glanced over with a soft smile. She reached out, brushing a gentle hand over Mateo's curls. "He's out like a light," she whispered, leaning closer to rest her head on Leah's shoulder.

Leah chuckled quietly. "I think the clouds did him in," she said, tilting her head to nuzzle Aurora's hair. "He was mesmerized during takeoff, remember? Kept pointing at them like he was seeing magic for the first time."

Aurora smiled fondly, recalling the way Mateo's eyes had gone wide with wonder as the plane rose through the layers of clouds. He had pressed his face against the window, his little hands leaving smudges on the glass, babbling excitedly about the "fluffy sky."

When they began their descent into Barcelona hours later, Mateo stirred awake just as they broke through the clouds, his excitement rekindled. Leah shifted him onto her lap, letting him look out the window again.

"Mama! Plane!" Mateo squealed, pointing enthusiastically as they glided closer to the runway.

Leah grinned, bouncing him lightly on her knee. "That's right, buddy! How many can you count?"

Aurora watched them with a soft laugh as Mateo started his unique version of counting. "One... five... two... eleventy!" he declared proudly, clapping his hands at his achievement.

Leah joined in the clapping, her laughter bubbling up as she kissed the top of Mateo's head. "Close enough, little man," she teased, holding him tighter as the plane touched down with a gentle bump.

Once the plane came to a stop and they were cleared to disembark, the family made their way through the terminal. Mateo, now wide awake and full of energy, squirmed in Leah's arms, craning his neck to take in the bustling surroundings. His small voice echoed through the corridor as he pointed at everything that caught his eye, from luggage carts to colorful signs.

Aurora led the way with a practiced ease, her steps confident as they approached customs. Barcelona was her home, and it showed in the way she navigated the airport like she belonged there. Still, there was a slight nervousness in her chest—not for being back, but for the purpose of their trip.

They were here to meet with the sperm donor and finalize details with the fertility company, taking the first tangible steps toward expanding their family. Leah's egg would be used this time, but Aurora would carry the baby. It was an intimate decision, one that felt both exciting and daunting. No one else knew yet—not their families, not their friends. It was their secret for now, a private dream shared between them.

"Almost there," Aurora said softly, glancing back at Leah as they joined the line at arrivals.

Leah gave her a reassuring smile, bouncing Mateo lightly to keep him entertained. "He's handling this like a champ," she said, nodding toward their son, who was now trying to grab at the strap of Leah's bag.

Aurora chuckled, reaching over to adjust Mateo's sunhat, which was already askew. "He's just excited," she said, her voice warm. "New place, new sights... and let's be honest, he's got your energy."