Le's Soldier

Part 67

The days started falling into a rhythm.

Not the old rhythm — not chaotic, not overwhelming — but something new. Slower. More careful. Built around Leah... and the baby.

And Lilly adjusted to it without even realising.

⸻

07:00 AM — Morning Check-In

Lilly woke first, like always.

Her eyes flicked straight to Leah.

Still asleep. Breathing steady.

Her hand — still there — resting over her stomach.

Lilly exhaled quietly.

Then, gently, she placed her own hand over Leah's.

"Morning," Leah mumbled without opening her eyes.

"You're awake."

"Barely."

"You feel sick?"

Leah paused.

"...a little."

"Stay still."

"I am still."

Lilly brushed her hair back gently. "I'll get crackers."

"You're predictable."

"You're pregnant."

Leah smiled faintly.

⸻

09:30 AM — Midwife Check-Up

The clinic felt calmer this time.

Leah sat beside Lilly, fingers intertwined tightly.

"You nervous?" Lilly asked.

"Always."

They got called in.

Vitals. Questions. Routine.

Then the doppler.

The room went quiet as the midwife moved it gently across Leah's stomach.

Static.

Then—

Fast, steady heartbeat.

Leah's shoulders dropped instantly.

"There it is," the midwife smiled.

Lilly didn't say anything — but her grip tightened just slightly.

"You're both doing really well," the midwife added.

Leah smiled. "Even with the sickness?"

"Very normal."

Lilly nodded once. "Good."

⸻

11:00 AM — Baby Shopping

Leah walked slowly through the baby section, this time with more energy than before.

Not perfect — but better.

She picked up a tiny onesie.

"Look at this."

Lilly glanced over. "That's ridiculously small."

"That's our baby."

"...yeah."

Leah smiled softly.

They moved through the aisles — nappies, blankets, bottles.

Lilly grabbed something.

Leah squinted at it. "Why does that look complicated?"

"It's a bottle."