The late afternoon sun filtered into their bedroom in warm streaks, but Zayden Wolfe had already drawn the curtains halfway—just in case the light was too strong for her eyes.
Elena sat comfortably on the bed, propped against a pile of soft pillows, a book balanced on her belly. She looked relaxed. But Zayden? He was anything but.
"No cold water," he announced as he returned with a glass. "Room temperature only. The doctor said your stomach shouldn't have to adjust to temperature shocks."
Elena raised an eyebrow, amused. "You asked her that?"
"I asked her everything," he replied, already fluffing a new pillow behind her back. "And I've scheduled another check-up. Just to be sure."
"You just saw her yesterday."
"It's a follow-up. I had questions about the left-side sleeping. Still optimal? Yes. But I want a second opinion anyway."
She shook her head with a chuckle. "You're going to drive yourself insane, Mr. Wolfe."
"I'm already there." He crouched to adjust the stool under her feet. "The doctor also said we need to reduce strain on your ankles, so I'm elevating your feet every two hours. And I ordered better socks. The ones you wore this morning? Too tight."
"You monitored my socks?"
"I monitor everything. Two months, Elena. Just two. And until then, I'm not taking any chances."
He sat beside her, folding his arms. "No more long walks. I'm serious."
"I'm pregnant, not dying."
"You're pregnant with twins and you're in your final trimester. That means you move only when I say it's safe. No bending. No stairs. And from now on, I carry you."
She laughed. "You love this overprotective phase, don't you?"
"I hate that I can't control every part of this," he said honestly. "But what I can do is keep you comfortable, safe, and happy."
She leaned against him, his warmth grounding her. "You're doing a great job, Zay."
"I'm preparing for war," he muttered under his breath. "Against hormones, discomfort, unpredictable cravings, and sleep-deprived nights. I've read every article. I even joined a dad forum. Twice."
"Wait—what?"
"Shh," he whispered, pressing a hand to her belly. "They're kicking."
A smile stretched across her lips as she felt the tiny flutter. Zayden's expression shifted into something reverent. Protective. Terrified.
"You okay?" she asked.
"No," he replied. "They're not even here yet and I'm already obsessed."
She laughed softly.
"I'm starting their early training soon," he continued. "Finance. Leadership. Strategy. They'll learn both sides of the business—because they're both going to run Wolfe Enterprises one day."
"Zayden… they haven't even learned to breathe yet."
"All the more reason to start planning. I want to raise leaders. Strong. Smart. Unshakable."
She took his hand and kissed it. "And what about joy? Wonder? Innocence?"
He exhaled, lowering his head. "You'll give them that. I'll handle the rest."
Later that night, as Elena lay curled up under soft blankets, Zayden adjusted each pillow for maximum comfort. He massaged her swollen feet, placed a hand on her bump, and whispered something only the twins could hear.
"You're my world. You, and you," he said, softly tapping either side of her belly. "And no matter what's ahead, I will protect you with everything I've got."
Then, pressing a kiss to Elena's temple, he whispered, "Rest, baby. I've got you. All three of you."