Elena woke up to the sound of humming and the faint rustle of tiny blankets.
The early morning light painted soft golden streaks across the nursery floor. She sat up slowly, heart fluttering as she followed the sound.
Zayden stood near the window, holding Liora against his chest while Elio lay peacefully in a baby wrap across his front. He was wearing a sweatshirt that said Protective Dad Mode: Always On and gently swaying from side to side like it was second nature now.
"I hope you two know you have the coolest mom in the entire universe," he whispered. "And if anyone ever hurts her, even by accident, you have my permission to cause chaos."
Elena smiled from the doorway. "That's a very healthy lesson to teach newborns."
He turned, grinning. "Setting the tone early."
"Have you slept?"
"Not really. But I got this." He walked over and kissed her forehead. "Pancakes are ready. I added vitamin powder to yours."
"You really are turning into a full-time nurse."
"Correction: I'm your personal everything."
---
Later that afternoon, the doorbell rang.
Zayden opened it, and a woman stepped in with wide, watery eyes and a suitcase still in hand.
"Luna?" Elena gasped, walking forward as tears immediately brimmed in her eyes.
"Elena," Luna whispered. "Five years was too damn long."
They hugged tightly—years of missed birthdays, calls, and late-night chats all melting into that moment.
"You look incredible," Luna said, pulling back slightly to look at her. "I can't believe I missed everything."
"You're here now," Elena whispered. "And that's what matters."
Luna's gaze fell to the cradle nearby, where Elio and Liora slept peacefully side by side. She stepped closer, a soft gasp escaping her.
"Oh my God. They're angels," she breathed.
"Elio and Liora," Elena said softly, resting her head on Luna's shoulder. "They're the best parts of me."
Zayden came up behind her. "And the best parts of me."
Luna turned and smirked. "You must be the infamous Zayden. She told me about your stubbornness."
Zayden grinned, unbothered. "Only when it comes to her."
Luna smiled knowingly. "Good. Then we're going to get along just fine."
---
Later that evening, Luna and Elena curled up in the living room, surrounded by baby bottles and tiny socks. Liora rested on Elena's chest, while Elio was snoozing beside Luna.
"I still remember your high school dream," Luna said. "You said you wanted two kids before thirty and a love story that made you feel like home."
Elena smiled softly, glancing toward the kitchen where Zayden was blending fruit for her next smoothie.
"I got both," she whispered.
Luna grinned, eyes misty. "I'm so proud of you, Lena."
---
That night, after Luna had gone to bed in the guest room, Zayden returned with a tray.
He placed it on Elena's lap—soup, warm bread, and sliced fruit—and sat beside her on the bed, wrapping an arm around her.
"You don't have to do all this every single night," she said gently.
"I do," he replied simply. "You gave me a family. The least I can do is make sure you're fed like royalty."
"And what if I'm full?"
"Then I'll spoon-feed you until you admit I'm right," he said, holding up a piece of mango with a smile.
She laughed. "You're relentless."
"And you're mine."
---
The next morning, a doctor arrived for a home check-up.
After the routine check, she offered a soft warning. "Elena needs full rest. The twins were slightly premature. Her body is still in recovery. Any stress or overexertion could lead to complications—bleeding, infections. It's vital she avoids strain."
Zayden straightened, eyes darkening with immediate concern. "What kind of complications exactly?"
"She's okay now," the doctor assured. "But it's important she lets herself fully heal. No stairs, no heavy lifting."
Zayden turned to Elena. "You hear that? No stairs. No lifting. No walking unless I'm carrying you. I'm not risking anything."
"Zay—"
"No arguments. I already made a list of your meals, tracked your water intake, and programmed nighttime alerts to check your vitals."
Elena blinked. "You… did what?"
"I also baby-proofed the corners of the table. And ordered two air purifiers. The cleanest lungs in the city are going to belong to Elio and Liora."
She burst into laughter, leaning back against the pillows. "I don't deserve you."
Zayden sat beside her, taking her hand and kissing it gently. "You deserve everything. And I'm just getting started."
---