It had been three days since the family dinner, and the morning sunlight filtered softly into Bella's cozy living room. Lucas sat on the couch beside Bella, his posture casual yet attentive. He decided to visit them before heading to his office.
They both agreed on telling Rachel about this marriage now that they have met his family. That was the main reason why he is here, but it was not the only one. The other reason is he wanted to have breakfast with them.
Across from them, Rachel sat cross-legged on the rug, doodling on a piece of paper with the sort of concentration only a child could muster. The day she waits for an entire week is finally here...Sunday.
Lucas leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees as he spoke. "Rachel," he began in his smooth, steady tone, "can I ask you something?"
Rachel looked up, her face lighting up when she met Lucas's gaze. "What is it, Mr. Handsome?"
Bella gave Lucas a small smile, silently encouraging him. He nodded and continued, "What do you think about me? Do you like having me around?"
Rachel's eyes widened as if she hadn't expected such a question. She tilted her head in thought, her pencil tapping against her lips. "Hmm... you're funny. And you bring Mom and me chocolates, which is nice. You're very good." Her eyes sparkled when she talk about how nice is he to her and her mother.
Lucas chuckled. "Thank you for your compliment sweetheart. Now, what if I asked you something a little bigger? How would you feel if I was around a lot more? Like… if we became a family?"
Rachel's brow furrowed, and she looked between the two of them, her young mind processing the suggestion. "A family? Then, you'll live here all the time?"
Bella reached for Rachel's hand, her touch gentle. "Sweetheart, your Mr. Handsome and I… we've decided we're going to get married. That means we'll be a family with you, me, and him. How do you feel about that?"
Rachel's eyes widened in surprise. "Married? Like in the movies? With a dress and cake and everything?"
Lucas smiled warmly. "Yes, something like that. But more importantly, it means I'll be here to take care of you and your mom."
Rachel stared at them for a long moment before asking, "Why are you getting married mumma?"
Bella and Lucas exchanged a brief look. Bella leaned closer to her daughter and spoke softly, "Because we care about each other, and we want to be a family with all three of us. Does that sound okay to you?"
Rachel's lips quirked upward as if weighing the answer. Finally, she nodded. "Okay. But only if I get to help pick the cake."
Lucas laughed, ruffling her hair. "Deal. You'll be in charge of the cake." Rachel giggled and leaned into Bella. "Okay, mumma. I think Mr. Handsome can marry you."
Bella pressed a kiss to Rachel's hair, her heart swelling. Lucas's hand found hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. With the first step taken, Bella and Lucas shared a look of relief. Their family was slowly coming together, one tender moment at a time.