You’re curled up in bed with Tom, the duvet pulled up high around you both. His arm is wrapped around you and your back is comfortably tucked against his chest. You can hear his deep, sleepy breathing, which always makes you feel safe.

For a moment, you allow yourself to imagine that everything is simple... but your mind won’t fully rest.

Your hand lies over his forearm, your fingers tracing the faint lines of his skin. You’re acutely aware of everything: the warmth of his body behind you, the quiet of the room, and the secret you’re keeping.

You're pregnant again, but you don't know how to tell him.

Tom shifts slightly and tightens his arm around you as he wakes up. His face presses into your hair and he takes in your scent before kissing the back of your head.

“Mmm… morning,” he murmurs, his voice rough with sleep.

“Morning,” you reply softly.

He doesn't move away. Instead, he stays there, half-asleep, his thumb lazily brushing back and forth over your arm beneath the covers.

After a while, he sighs contentedly. “The kids are still asleep,” he whispers. “That alone feels like a miracle.”

You smile faintly. “Don’t jinx it.”

You shift just a little closer to him and he automatically adjusts, pulling you in as if you fit there perfectly - because you do.

“I was lying here earlier,” he says, eyes still closed, “thinking about how fast everything’s going.”

Your heart gives a small, nervous leap. “How so?” you ask.

“Jasmin’s practically grown,” he continues. “Darian’s changing every day. And Eve…” He smiles against your hair. “She still reaches for us in her sleep, but she won’t forever.”

Tom opens his eyes now, resting his chin on your shoulder. “I love this. Us. Even the chaos.” He hesitates. “And sometimes… I catch myself wishing we could press pause. Or maybe rewind just a little.”

He shifts so he can see your face, even though you're still tucked up together under the covers. His expression is gentle, almost vulnerable.

“I know it sounds silly,” he says quietly. “But I’d love another baby. It would be nice to have another little heartbeat in the house.” He smiles sheepishly. “I didn’t plan on saying it out loud, but… there it is.”

You turn slightly in his arms so that you are facing him, your foreheads almost touching.

“You don’t have to say anything right now,” he adds quickly. “I just wanted you to know how I feel.”