The weeks and months following Clara's realization that she was pregnant again were filled with anticipation, preparation, and the comforting rhythm of life in the forest. From the moment Clara began to show, the pack rallied around her, offering support and excitement for the arrival of the new baby. Aldric, ever the doting father, was constantly at her side, ensuring she had everything she needed. The whole pack eagerly awaited the birth of the new member, convinced that Clara was carrying a son—a belief reinforced by the way she carried and the instincts of the pack elders.
"It's definitely a boy," Lyra, one of the eldest and wisest of the pack, often said with a knowing smile as she helped Clara prepare herbs for the birth. "He'll be strong and healthy, just like his father."
Aldric would nod in agreement, his hand resting protectively on Clara's growing belly. "I can't wait to meet him," he'd say, his voice filled with pride and love.
Clara, too, was excited, though a small part of her couldn't shake the feeling that there might be more to this pregnancy than anyone realized. The pregnancy was different from when she carried Lily—there were subtle differences that she couldn't quite place, but nothing that made her suspect the truth. Instead, she chalked it up to the natural variations between pregnancies and focused on staying healthy and strong.
Lily, on the other hand, seemed to carry a secret smile throughout the entire pregnancy. Whenever someone would mention her soon-to-be baby brother, she would simply nod along, her bright eyes twinkling with a knowledge she never shared. Clara noticed, but she didn't press her daughter. Lily had always been perceptive, perhaps even more so than they realized, and Clara trusted that when the time was right, Lily would share whatever she knew.
As Clara's belly grew, so did the preparations for the new baby. Aldric carved a beautiful wooden crib, each detail crafted with care and love. Lily insisted on helping, handing Aldric tools and watching intently as he worked, her excitement growing with each passing day. The pack contributed as well, bringing gifts and offering to help with anything Clara might need. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and joy.
One afternoon, as Clara sat in the clearing with Lily, watching Aldric and some of the pack members build an extension to their cabin, Lily turned to her with that same secretive smile.
"Mama," Lily began, her voice soft but sure, "when the baby comes, will I get to help take care of him?"
Clara smiled, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Lily's ear. "Of course, my love. You'll be a wonderful big sister."
Lily's smile grew, and she rested her hand on Clara's belly, her small fingers tracing the curve of it. "I think he's going to need a lot of love, Mama. And so will the other one."
Clara blinked, her heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean, Lily?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
Lily's eyes twinkled with that familiar knowing look, but she quickly changed the subject, pointing to the crib Aldric was finishing. "Look, Papa's almost done! Can we put the blankets in now?"
Clara hesitated for a moment, her mind racing. What had Lily meant by "the other one"? But before she could press further, Lily had already darted off toward Aldric, her earlier words seemingly forgotten. Clara watched her go, a strange mix of curiosity and unease settling in her chest.
As the months passed, Clara's pregnancy progressed smoothly, and the whole pack eagerly anticipated the arrival of the new baby. The day drew closer, and with it, Clara found herself thinking more and more about Lily's words. But every time she asked her daughter about it, Lily would just smile and change the subject, leaving Clara both amused and puzzled.
One evening, as they sat together by the fire, Clara finally brought it up to Aldric. "Do you think it's possible… that there might be more than one baby?" she asked, her voice hesitant.
Aldric looked at her, surprise evident in his eyes. "What makes you think that?"
Clara sighed, her hand resting on her belly. "It's just… something Lily said. And this pregnancy feels different, but I can't explain how. I know it sounds strange, but—"
Aldric reached out, taking her hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I think Lily has a way of knowing things that we don't," he said thoughtfully. "But whether it's one baby or two, we'll be ready. We'll love them just the same."
Clara smiled, her worries easing as she leaned against Aldric's shoulder. "You're right. We'll be ready."
As the due date approached, the entire pack buzzed with excitement. Lily continued to help prepare, her enthusiasm never wavering. She would often talk to Clara's belly, telling her "baby brother" about all the fun they would have together and how much she was looking forward to meeting him. Every so often, she would add something like, "And the other one, too," but when Clara or Aldric asked her about it, she would just smile and continue her conversation as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
The night before Clara was expected to give birth, the family gathered together for a quiet evening in the cabin. Lily was unusually quiet, sitting close to Clara and resting her head on her mother's lap. As Clara stroked her daughter's hair, she felt a deep sense of peace settle over her. Whatever happened tomorrow, they would face it as a family, with love and strength.
As the fire crackled softly in the hearth, Clara's thoughts drifted to the future. Whether it was one baby or two, she knew they were about to embark on a new chapter in their lives—one filled with joy, challenges, and growth. And with Lily's mysterious intuition guiding them, Clara couldn't help but feel that everything would be just as it was meant to be.
The next day would bring answers, but for now, Clara was content to savor the quiet moments with her family, knowing that soon, their lives would change forever.