I believe you

As they returned home, the weight of the day began to settle. Bella knew that while she couldn't predict what the future held, having Lucas by her side made her feel more secure. Their journey together was just beginning.

As they returned home, Bella felt a mixture of exhaustion and relief. Lucas, ever attentive, suggested they stop to pick up Rachel from school. The thought of seeing her daughter brightened Bella's spirits, and she leaned against the car window, watching the familiar streets go by.

When they arrived at the school, Lucas helped Bella out of the car, supporting her as they walked towards the entrance. Rachel spotted them from a distance, her face lighting up with excitement.

"Mommy! Mr. Handsome!" she shouted, rushing toward them.

"Hey, princess!" Bella knelt down to embrace Rachel, feeling the warmth of her daughter's hug chase away the lingering anxiety from earlier. "Did you have a good day at school?"

"Yeah! Our teacher showed us a science experiment! It was so cool!" Rachel exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"That sounds amazing! You'll have to tell us all about it," Lucas encouraged, smiling at the little girl.

Once they were back in the car, Rachel chattered animatedly about her day, her energy infectious. Bella watched Lucas as he engaged with Rachel, their playful banter making her heart swell with affection. He is now getting more and more used to Rachel's dramatic way of storytelling.

Seeing him with Rachel reminded her of the bond they were forming as a family, and she felt grateful that he is putting up his best efforts. He is trying to blend in the space which was reserved for her life partner.

After arriving home, Lucas helped Bella prepare a quick dinner while Rachel set the table, humming to herself. Bella's heart warmed as she observed the interactions between Lucas and Rachel. He made her laugh, and his easygoing nature seemed to put her daughter at ease.

As they sat down to eat, Bella felt a sense of normalcy return, despite the earlier scare. The three of them enjoyed a lighthearted meal, filled with laughter and stories. Bella couldn't help but marvel at how Lucas is feeling more and more like a family member.

Later that evening, after Rachel had finished her homework, Bella found a moment of quiet. Lucas was on the couch, flipping through channels, and she took a seat beside him. "You've never taken me to your house, have you?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

He shook his head. "No, I haven't. I guess I've been busy with work and everything else."

"Do you ever plan to?" she inquired, looking at him closely.

"I do. Just… haven't found the right time," Lucas replied, his expression thoughtful.

Lucas watched her for a moment, contemplating the life they were building together. "Where do you want to live after the wedding?" he asked casually, but his heart raced at the thought.

"Rachel really likes this house," she said, glancing around. "She's grown up here, and it feels familiar and safe for her. I wouldn't want to uproot her from everything she knows."

"True. It does have a certain charm," Lucas admitted, looking around as if seeing the house anew. "But do you think it would be okay if we continued living here? I mean, it might be a bit cramped with all of us, but…"

Bella nodded, feeling a wave of affection for the place. "This house has been our home for so long. It would be nice to keep it as our base."

Lucas's mind raced with the implications of her words. He had planned to surprise Bella with a new house, but now he found himself considering the idea of purchasing this one instead.

"It sounds like a good plan," he said, masking his inner thoughts. "We could always make some adjustments if we need more space."

"Exactly!" Bella smiled, her eyes lighting up at the thought of staying in a familiar place. "And we can always decorate it together."

"Decorating sounds fun. I'm sure we can come up with some great ideas," Lucas agreed, but inside, he was already thinking of the logistics. He wanted to ensure that Bella and Rachel felt comfortable and secure in their home, and if it meant buying this house, then so be it.

After their conversation, Lucas stayed for a while longer, helping Bella put Rachel to bed. As he tucked the little girl in, he felt a sense of belonging wash over him. Watching Bella in her element, nurturing and loving, made him realize how much he wanted to be part of their lives, not just as a partner but as a family.

Once Rachel was asleep, Bella and Lucas shared a quiet moment in the living room. Bella looked at him, her eyes soft. "Thank you for today. I don't know what I would have done without you. I would probably had a panic attack if you were not there."

"You don't have to thank me. I was myself very scared. I don't know where I got the courage from, at that time," Lucas said, his tone serious yet gentle. " But don't worry about this anymore. I'm here for you, no matter what."

"I know," she replied, feeling the warmth of his words. "It means more to me than you know."

As they settled onto the couch, Bella leaned her head on his shoulder, comforted by his presence. Lucas felt a surge of affection for her, his thoughts drifting to the future and the life they were about to build together.

"I'm glad we're in this together," he said softly, looking down at her. "I'll make sure you both feel safe and happy."

Bella smiled, the tension of the day easing away. "I believe you." She never thought she will be able to believe someone whom she knew for a less than two months.

And as they sat in comfortable silence, the reality of their situation began to sink in—this was more than just a partnership; it was the beginning of a beautiful family.