Endless teasing

The soft glow of morning filtered through the curtains, casting a warm golden hue over the bedroom. Bella stirred first, her eyes fluttering open to the unfamiliar yet comforting weight of an arm draped around her waist. She was wondering about how can they both find each other to hug while sleeping. For a moment, she just lay there, listening to the steady rhythm of Lucas's breathing. The reality of being married sank in all over again.

Carefully, she turned to face him. His dark lashes rested against his cheeks, his face relaxed in sleep. The sight made her stomach flutter. She touched his face slightly, only to find him waking up, watching her with a lazy, satisfied smile.

"Good morning, Mrs. Costanzo," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.

Bella felt warmth rush to her cheeks. "It still feels weird to hear that," she admitted, stretching slightly. But it was not the only reason, the other was his morning voice.

His smile changed into a smirk. "You'll get used to it." He leaned closer, brushing his lips against her temple. "Or I'll just keep reminding you every morning."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the smile that crept onto her lips. A sudden voice made them both jolt.

"Mommy! Dada! Wake up!" Rachel's excited voice carried through the door. "I'm hungry!"

Bella laughed, quickly pushing Lucas away as he groaned in protest. "Looks like duty calls," she teased, slipping out of bed.

Rachel's cheerful call was accompanied by the sound of tiny footsteps rushing toward the room.

The door opened and Rachel entered. After a exchange of good morning kiss between the mother and daughter, she straight up climbed onto the bed and then on Lucas. "Dada! Good morning," she giggled, bouncing slightly.

Bella shot Lucas an apologetic look, but to her surprise, he was already smiling. The way Rachel call him Dada really make him feel like the most happiest man on the earth. He reached out, ruffling Rachel's hair. "Good morning, princess," he said, his voice still husky from sleep.

Rachel grinned. "It's morning! That means breakfast time."

Bella laughed at her daughter's enthusiasm. "Alright, alright. Let's get freshened up first."

Lucas stretched before sitting up, his eyes meeting Bella's. There was something in his gaze—something soft, something unreadable. "I'll make breakfast," he offered.

Bella arched a brow. "You?" Rachel clapped her hands. "Yay! Dada's cooking!"

Lucas smirked. "You doubt my skills?" Bella pouted at his sentence. "I've never doubted you. I know you can cook. You actually cook delicious food."

His smirked widened seeing his newly wedded wife praising him so effortlessly. "Then what's the problem sweetheart?" He asked her raising his brow perfectly. These nicknames which he is starting to call her makes her blush everytime.

She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out of it. What problem can she have with him cooking the breakfast. Seeing her unable to answer his question he himself told her. "You might be too tired after yesterday, you need to have rest. Also the doctor said you must not be stressed, so I'm going to help you out as much as I can."

His words made her heart fluttered. She didn't know she can feel this way, infact she never thought she can feel so many things until she met him. Too stunned to speak anything, she quickly took Rachel with her and left for the kitchen.

Lucas followed her, ruffling his hair as they made their way to the kitchen. He lifted Rachel effortlessly onto a chair before rolling up his sleeves.

"So what do princess Rachel want for breakfast today," he asked like a royal chef. Rachel clapped her hands. "Pancakes?"

"Alright the dish will be served shortly." He replied before wearing an apron. With exaggerated determination, Lucas got to work, flipping pancakes while Rachel cheered him on. Bella stood beside him, watching as he moved around her kitchen like he belonged there.

And as laughter filled the air, she realized that for the first time in a long time, her mornings felt complete.

Soon he placed a plate in front of her. "Try it and see." Rachel called out for his mother. "Mommy loves pancakes too! Mommy try it." Lucas threw a smirk over his shoulder. "Good to know."

Bella crossed her arms, pretending not to be affected. "I hope they taste as good as they smell." She took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise. "Okay… this is actually really good."

Lucas leaned in slightly. "Told you I'm a perfect husband material, Mrs. Costanzo." Rachel giggled. "Mommy, are you blushing?"

Bella choked on her next bite while Lucas laughed. "Eat your pancakes, young lady," she muttered, flustered.

Just as they finished breakfast, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Bella said, getting up. She opened the door to find Alessandra standing there with a warm smile, holding a large gift bag.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Alessandra greeted. "I hope I'm not intruding?" Bella shook her head. "Not at all! Please, come in."

As Alessandra stepped inside, her gaze swept across the cozy home. Her smile deepened. "It already feels like a family home."

Lucas chuckled. "That's because it is." Rachel ran up to Alessandra, wrapping her arms around her waist. "Grandma!" Alessandra beamed, hugging her back. "Good morning, little one."

She then turned to Bella, handing her the gift bag. "These are some of the wedding gifts you didn't get to open last night. And, of course, a special gift from me."

Bella hesitated before accepting it. "You didn't have to—" "Nonsense," Alessandra interrupted. "You're family now." Bella smiled warmly.

As they sat down in the living room, Alessandra's eyes twinkled mischievously. "So… how was the first night?"

Bella nearly dropped the gift bag. "W-What?" Lucas, who had been taking a sip of his coffee, almost choked. "Mother."

Alessandra waved a hand. "Oh, come now. I'm just asking." Bella's face burned. "I—I mean, it was… it was fine." Alessandra smirked. "Just fine?" Lucas groaned. "Can we not?"

Rachel, oblivious to the conversation's meaning, tilted her head. "Why is Mommy red again?"

Bella covered her face while Lucas sighed. "Because your grandmother enjoys teasing her."

Alessandra chuckled. "Alright, alright. I'll stop… for now. Considering Bella is already red too many times today."

Despite her embarrassment, Bella couldn't help but smile. The warmth, the teasing, the laughter—it all felt so natural. She was truly part of this family now.