Chapter 450
Alexander stood in the middle of the empty room, eyes gleaming with excitement as he held up two tiny cribs, one in each arm, and beamed at Rain like a proud child showing off his masterpiece.
“They’re convertible!” he said, eyes wide. “They’ll grow with the twins, cribs now, toddler beds later, then full beds. Genius, right p>
Rain leaned on the doorway, arms crossed over her chest, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. “You do realize we don’t even know the genders yet, right p>
Alexander’s enthusiasm didn’t waver. “Doesn’t matter! Everything’s neutral, soft greens, buttery yellow, warm cream tones. It’s perfect p>
She stepped inside and walked around, eyeing the soft rugs, the floating shelves with storybooks already stacked, and the rocking chair near the window.
“You’ve already filled half the shelves,” she said, shaking her head with a laugh. “Stuffed animals, picture books, blankets… you even bought matching night lights p>
Alexander grinned. “I might’ve ordered two mobiles too. One with stars, one with little safari animals. Depends on their personalities p>
Rain chuckled and moved closer to him. “And how exactly do you plan to determine the personality of a newborn p>
“Oh, I’ll just know,” he said proudly. “One kick and I’ll be able to tell who’s the little rebel and who’s the calm one p>
“You’re ridiculous,” Rain said fondly, wrapping her arms around his waist.
“Maybe,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “But I want everything to be perfect. For them. For you p>
Rain leaned into him, eyes fluttering closed. “It’s already perfect,” she murmured. “But I’m still not letting you buy another changing table. Three is more than enough p>
Alexander gasped. “But what if we need a backup backup p>
She burst out laughing. “No one needs a backup backup p>
He grinned, pulling her even closer. “Guess I’ll just redirect the budget to cute baby shoes then p>
Rain playfully groaned, teasing, “We’re going to need a whole other house at this rate.” Alexander didn’t argue but called the helpers inside instead. Rain simply watched her husband busy himself with exaggeratedly decorating the nursery room for the twins.
Fabric swatches were draped over the crib railings, a soft lullaby playlist hummed in the background, and two helpers were carefully assembling a dresser against the far wall. But at the center of it all was Alexander, sleeves rolled up, and a folded checklist in the other hand.
“No, no… move the cloud shelf a little to the left,” he called out, gesturing with his hand. “It needs to be perfectly above the rocking chair. That way, they’ll look up and see dreams, not crooked angles p>
One of the workers stifled a chuckle, but obeyed. Alexander wasn’t being fussy… he was being fatherly, and it was a new look that somehow suited him perfectly.
Rain leaned on the wall with a small smile. Her hand was resting on her belly, which was starting to show more prominently now. She was quiet for a moment, just watching him, until a sudden flutter made her gasp.
Alexander immediately turned. “Rain? What’s wrong p>
She reached for his hand with wide eyes. “No, nothing’s wrong. I think… I think one of them just kicked p>
His eyes widened. “Seriously?” He dropped the checklist and rushed to her side, placing both hands on her belly. “Where? Where was it p>
She laughed softly, guiding his hand lower and to the left. “Here. Just wait p>
And then it happened again… soft, but sure. A gentle thump from within.
Alexander froze. His mouth parted in awe. “Oh… wow,” he whispered, then laughed, boyish and amazed. “Hey… did you feel that? That was solid! That was a real kick p>
He crouched down and leaned close to her stomach, both palms still warm against her belly. “Hey, you two,” he murmured, voice gentle and playful, “I know we haven’t met yet, but I’ve been working my butt off getting your room ready p>
Another kick.
“Oh, so you are listening.” He grinned, then whispered conspiratorially, “Don’t tell your mom, but I bought extra stuffed animals. You’re going to love them. Especially the dinosaur p>
Rain rolled her eyes with a fond smile. “Alexander p>
“What?” he said innocently. “I’m bonding with my kids p>
He gently tapped her belly twice, like a secret code. “That shelf over there? That’s for your favorite bedtime stories. And that lamp? It dims into moonlight so you won’t be scared at night. You’re going to sleep here. Dream here. Grow up here p>
His voice grew softer, more emotional. “And no matter what happens… you’ll always be safe. I promise p>
Rain reached down and ran her fingers through his hair as his forehead rested lightly against her belly. “They’re lucky, you know,” she said quietly.
“So am I,” he replied, looking up at her. “You gave me everything I never thought I could have p>
The nursery behind them slowly began to take shape, cloud decals now stuck neatly to the pale blue and cream walls, tiny socks folded on a shelf, and a rocking chair now perfectly centered beneath a wooden sign that read:
“Twice the giggles. Twice the love. Twice the joy from up above p>
Alexander looked around, then at Rain again.
“Alright,” he said to her belly, voice cheerful once more. “Nap time is in three hours. No acrobatics after that. Got it p>
Another soft kick.
Rain laughed. “They don’t listen to you yet p>
He smirked. “They will. I’m very persuasive p>
The smile on Rain’s face never seemed to fade. Everything was going smoothly—her pregnancy was stable, the babies were healthy, and she could finally breathe easier knowing that her mother was recovering well.
Earlier that morning, her father had called with another piece of good news. He was slowly telling her mother the full truth, bit by bit. And if all went well, by next week, they would finally return. Rain would be able to see her again. Call her “Mom” again. That word alone made her heart flutter with anticipation and warmth.
Lately, her days were filled with laughter and tender moments with Alexander, who pampered her endlessly. The house felt alive, filled with soft music, warmth, and the quiet promise of a beautiful future.
Everything felt… perfect.
Maybe even too perfect. Because at the back of her mind, there was still that lingering unease she couldn’t shake off… Tim. He was still out there. Still free. Still dangerous.
And despite the peace and joy she had found in her life now, the fear lingered like a shadow trailing her every step.
She tried not to dwell on it, tried not to let it cloud her happiness. But it was there, quiet and persistent.
What if he tried to harm her or worse, hurt her babies or Alexander?
Rain placed a protective hand over her belly, instinctively shielding the little lives inside her.
She took a deep breath and looked out the window, whispering to herself, “No matter what… I won’t let anything happen to my family. Not now. Not ever p>