Le's Soldier

Part 65

Movement.

The baby.

"Heartbeat is strong," the doctor said.

The sound filled the room again — fast, steady.

Leah broke instantly, crying in relief.

"Oh my god..."

Lilly exhaled sharply, her grip tightening. She hadn't realised how tense she was until that moment.

"Baby's fine," the doctor continued. "Spotting can happen. We'll monitor it, but everything looks good."

Leah covered her face, sobbing quietly.

Lilly leaned forward, pressing her forehead against hers. "You're okay."

Leah nodded, tears still falling. "I thought—"

"I know."

She pulled her into a careful hug.

"You're okay," Lilly repeated softly. "Both of you."

Leah clung to her.

And for the first time since the bathroom, Lilly let herself breathe.

The house was quiet when they got back.

Too quiet.

Leah didn't move much once they stepped inside — just stood there for a second like her body hadn't caught up with everything that had happened.

Lilly closed the door behind them, locking it without a word.

"Come here," she said softly.

Leah didn't argue this time. She stepped straight into her, pressing her face into Lilly's chest, arms wrapping tight around her like she needed to anchor herself.

"I thought..." Leah's voice cracked. "I really thought something was wrong."

"I know," Lilly murmured, one hand cradling the back of her head. "I know."

Leah's fingers gripped her shirt tighter. "I've never been that scared."

Lilly swallowed hard. She didn't say it — but she had been too.

She just held her.

⸻

That Night

Leah refused to let go of her.

Even in bed, she stayed curled into Lilly, one hand resting protectively over her stomach, the other gripping Lilly's shirt like she might disappear.

"You okay?" Lilly asked quietly.

Leah shook her head against her chest. "Not really."

"Talk to me."

"I keep thinking it's going to happen again."

"It might," Lilly said gently. "They said spotting can happen."

Leah stiffened slightly.

"But," Lilly added quickly, brushing her hand up and down her arm, "baby's okay. Heartbeat's strong. That's what matters."

Leah nodded slowly.

"...stay close," she whispered.

"I'm not going anywhere."

Lilly didn't sleep much. Every time Leah shifted, she woke. Every time Leah breathed a little differently, she checked.

Protective. On edge. Quiet.

But no cigarettes.

She held it together.

⸻

Next Morning