The clatter of keyboards, the hum of printers, and the occasional ring of phones echoed softly through the quiet office space. Liora sat at her desk, trying to concentrate on the report glowing on her screen, but her vision was starting to blur. Her stomach had been churning since morning, and she'd barely managed more than a few sips of tea during lunch. Even the faint scent of coffee from a nearby desk made her gag.
She touched her forehead—slightly clammy.
"Liora?" Her colleague's voice brought her back. "You okay?"
She forced a small smile. "Yeah, just… tired."
But deep down, she knew it wasn't just that. Something felt different—off in a way that tugged at her instinct.
When the workday ended, Keal was already waiting at the lobby with Rivan beside him, leaning against the car. Their smiles faltered when they saw her pale face.
"You look like hell, baby," Rivan said gently, opening the car door and helping her in.
Keal leaned closer once she was seated. "You didn't eat again?"
She shook her head slightly, resting her hand over her stomach. "I tried… I just couldn't."
Without another word, they exchanged a look—silent understanding passing between them.
"We're going to the clinic," Keal said softly. "Now."
—
The waiting room smelled of antiseptic and soft roses, with a quiet hum of hushed voices. Liora sat between them, hands clasped tightly. She could feel Rivan gently rubbing circles on her back while Keal held her hand.
The doctor finally called her in.
After a few questions, a gentle smile grew on the woman's face. "Let me be the first to say—congratulations, Liora. You're pregnant."
Everything slowed.
Her breath caught in her throat. Rivan's arm went around her immediately. Keal leaned in, stunned for a second, and then smiled so wide it nearly brought tears to her eyes.
"You mean…" Liora whispered, her voice trembling. "It's real?"
The doctor nodded. "It's early, but you're definitely pregnant."
Liora covered her mouth, tears already escaping. Keal kissed her temple. Rivan knelt in front of her, resting his hands gently over her belly.
"Our baby," he murmured.
—
They returned home to soft lighting and silence that felt sacred. Rivan carried her bridal-style up to the bedroom, while Keal followed with her bag, already dialing down the air conditioning, dimming the lights, preparing the bed.
"You're not doing anything tonight," Keal said with a grin. "Doctor's orders."
She let out a soft laugh, still dazed. "She didn't say that…"
"We heard it anyway," Rivan teased, pulling her into his lap once they settled on the bed. "And I'm the pillow now."
Liora curled up against him, her body slowly relaxing as Keal brought a tray of cut fruit and a warm glass of milk.
"Fruits for the mama," he said, offering her a bite.
She opened her mouth, taking it, and then shared a piece with Rivan, letting it linger a little before they both smiled.
Keal sat down beside them, his hand slipping to her stomach. He kissed it softly. "Hey, little one… we've been waiting for you."
Rivan rested his cheek against her other side. "We'll take care of you, both of you. Every step."
Liora blinked back tears again as they wrapped around her, their warmth like a cocoon. Keal kissed her shoulder, Rivan nuzzled into her neck.
She looked between them. "I'm so lucky… I have both of you. And now… we have something more."
"No," Keal whispered. "We're the lucky ones. You're everything to us."
That night, the three of them stayed wrapped up in love—no barriers, no doubts—just the hush of heartbeats, soft smiles, and the magic of something new beginning.
---
The sunlight filtered through the white curtains, painting delicate gold on the soft sheets and the bare skin tangled within them. Liora stirred first, slowly, her senses awakening to the warmth that cocooned her—one strong arm draped over her waist, another gently brushing through her hair.
Keal's voice was a soft whisper against her ear. "Good morning, beautiful mama."
A sleepy smile curved her lips. "Morning."
Behind her, Rivan hummed. "You're glowing already," he mumbled into the crook of her neck, not ready to open his eyes. "Our baby is working magic."
Liora chuckled lightly, stretching between them. "Or maybe I just slept better than I have in days."
Keal shifted, kissing her forehead. "That's because we didn't let you lift a finger last night."
"And you won't be lifting one today either," Rivan added, pulling her tighter into his embrace. "Doctor's orders. Husband's orders. Boyfriend's orders."
Liora groaned playfully. "You two are going to spoil me rotten."
"That's the plan," they said in perfect unison.
---
The morning passed slowly, just as they wanted.
Keal brought in a breakfast tray, balancing pancakes, yogurt, and sliced strawberries with surgical precision. Liora sat propped up with pillows while Rivan fed her tiny bites, stealing kisses in between. She returned the favor, offering him a strawberry from her lips, which he leaned in to take slowly, teasingly, as Keal watched with amusement and obvious affection.
After breakfast, the three of them moved to the living room. A cozy blanket was spread across the large couch. Liora curled up between them, her head on Keal's shoulder while her legs rested on Rivan's lap.
They watched a movie, not really following the plot—too distracted by each other's soft touches, gentle laughter, and the occasional whispered "I love you."
Keal ran his fingers through her hair while Rivan massaged her calves. Her body was already starting to feel heavier, her senses more sensitive.
"You okay?" Rivan asked when she closed her eyes for a moment.
She nodded, resting a hand on her belly. "Just tired. But it's a happy kind of tired."
Keal kissed her cheek. "You're already doing the most amazing job, Liora."
She smiled, turning to look at them both. "We're doing it. Together."
Rivan leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her belly. "I wonder who they'll look like."
"I hope they get your heart," Keal whispered, touching her chest softly. "Kind. Fierce. Loyal."
"And your strength," Liora whispered back, tracing Rivan's jaw. "Both of you."
---
Afternoon came with rain tapping softly against the windows.
They lay together on the rug, the fire crackling nearby. Liora's head rested on Rivan's chest, Keal's arms cradling her from behind. He placed his palm over her belly, feeling the still-flat curve.
"You know," he said softly, "we should start writing letters to the baby."
Rivan looked over. "Letters?"
"Yeah. Little notes, whenever something beautiful happens. So when they grow up, they'll know how loved they were even before they arrived."
Liora blinked, eyes misting. "That's… the most beautiful idea."
Rivan nodded. "Let's do it. A letter for every memory. Every kick. Every moment."
They brought out a little journal—a gift from Keal's drawer—and wrote the first note together, all three holding the pen.
Dear little one,
Today, we stayed home and just loved each other. Your mom smiled more than we've ever seen. She glowed. You're already making our world better, even before we meet you.
---
Evening brought warm soup and hot cocoa. Liora sat curled in Keal's lap while Rivan fed her spoonfuls, then rubbed her feet with scented oil while she sipped her cocoa. They took turns showering her with care—massaging her shoulders, combing her hair, kissing every part of her that felt tender or tense.
As night fell, the three of them settled back into bed, the world quiet, hearts full.
Rivan pressed his forehead to hers. "You are the heart of this home, Liora."
Keal wrapped his arms around them both. "And this home is yours. Always."
She whispered, tears gathering in her lashes, "This is the happiest day of my life."
"And just the beginning," they promised in unison.