Chapter 114: Building Our Future
Diane’s POV
The phone rang just as I was settling into the couch with a cup of herbal tea, watching the twins perform their morning acrobatics routine inside my belly. Joan was in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared breakfast and for once, everything felt peaceful.
"Hello?" I answered, recognizing the number.
"Hey, beautiful." Noah’s warm voice immediately made my heart flutter, and I felt that familiar blush creep up my neck.
"Noah!" I shifted on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position that didn’t put pressure on my ribs where one of the babies seemed determined to practice their soccer kicks.
"I’m calling to tell you I’d be travelling for work today," he said, and I could hear the conflict in his voice. "I’m supposed to catch a flight in two hours, but I wanted to check on you and the babies first. How are you feeling?"
The concern in his voice made my chest warm. Even with work obligations pulling him away, I was still his priority. "We’re doing well," I said softly. "Actually, I was just thinking..." I paused, suddenly feeling shy about what I wanted to ask.
"What were you thinking about?" he prompted gently.
I took a deep breath. "I was wondering if maybe... when you get back from your trip... you might want to come with me to see the house Dad bought? I know it’s already furnished and everything, but I’d like to add some finishing touches to the nursery. Make it feel more personal, more like home for the twins."
There was silence on the other end, and I rushed to fill it. "I mean, I don’t want to go alone. This is such a big step, and you’re... you’re fully part of my life now, Noah. I want us to make these decisions together. I want you to help me create a space for our babies."
The words hung in the air, and I realized what I’d said. Our babies. When had I started thinking of them that way? When had Noah become such an integral part of this journey that I couldn’t imagine taking these steps without him?