"For what? Your patience to finally give up?" His smirk widened when her eyes shot up to him.
She exhaled, closing the laptop for a second before opening it again. "You wouldn't understand. These things take forever."
He tilted his head, watching her closely. "Hmm. You're waiting for something important."
Bella tried to play it off, but her restless fingers betrayed her. "It's nothing—just the reply for the job offer is supposed to come today."
"Nothing doesn't make you refresh your inbox every sixty seconds, mia cara," he teased.
Before she could scold him, her laptop pinged. The soft chime stilled the air. Bella's heart leapt as her hands fumbled with the touchpad, breath catching as she clicked the notification.
It was from the company.
She skimmed the email once, then again, her eyes widening. "Oh my God," she whispered, pressing a hand over her mouth.
Lucas's brows arched, the faintest curve of a smile tugging at his lips. "Good news?"
Bella nodded so quickly her hair tumbled over her shoulders. "They… they accepted me. They want to hire me! They said there will be an online interview the day after tomorrow to discuss terms." Her voice trembled at the edges, as though she couldn't believe her own words.
Rachel squealed, jumping to her feet and barreling into Bella's lap. "Mama got the job! Mama got the job!" she chanted, little arms squeezing tightly.
Bella hugged her back, tears pricking her eyes. "Yes, baby. Mama got the job."
And then, before she could stop herself, she turned toward Lucas. The gratitude, the relief, the sheer overwhelming joy made her stand and cross the short distance to him. She threw her arms around him, pressing her face against his chest.
Lucas stiffened for a fraction of a second—caught off guard—but then his arms circled her firmly, protectively, like they had always belonged there. "Easy, bella," he murmured near her ear. "Breathe."
Bella realized what she had done and flushed scarlet, pulling back quickly. "I—I'm sorry, I just—"
He placed a hand gently on the back of her head, steadying her. "Don't apologize. You earned this." His eyes softened in that way they did only for her. "Congratulations."
Rachel tugged at both of their hands, oblivious to the charged air between them. "We have to celebrate! With cake! Mama, can we? Please?"
Bella laughed breathlessly, still trying to regain composure. "We don't have cake."
Rachel pouted. "Then let's make something sweet!"
Lucas leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "I like Rachel's idea. We'll make something together."
Bella arched a brow. "Do you even know how to bake?"
Lucas gave her a look of mock offense. Bella sighed dramatically. "Then I'm head chef. You follow my instructions."
Ten minutes later, the three of them were in the kitchen. Bella had tied an apron around her waist, Rachel stood on a little stool in her oversized apron that nearly swallowed her, and Lucas looked like he had wandered into enemy territory.
Bella eyed him suspiciously as he rolled his sleeves up. "You really want to help?"
He hummed, pulling utensils from the shelves. "It's a bit tough, but I know you can teach me."
Rachel announced proudly, "We're making cookies!"
Bella nodded. "Yes, chocolate chip. Easy and fun." She shot Lucas a look. "Even you can handle this."
Rachel clapped her flour-dusted hands. "Dada, you mix! Mama, you do the chocolate!"
Bella handed Lucas the mixing bowl. Watching him, she couldn't help but be amused. He held the whisk like it was some sort of weapon rather than a kitchen tool.
"Stir," Bella instructed.
Lucas gave her a look. "I know how mixing works."
"Do you? Because you're holding it upside down."
Rachel erupted into laughter, nearly toppling off her stool. "Dada doesn't know how to bake!"
Lucas narrowed his eyes playfully. "Be careful, little one. I might just eat all the chocolate chips myself."
Rachel gasped in mock horror, shielding the bowl with both arms. "No! That's for the cookies!"
Laughter filled the kitchen as the process went on. The cookies didn't turn out perfect—some were misshapen, others had far too many chips thanks to Rachel's generous hand—but when the first batch came out warm and golden, Rachel squealed with triumph.
"They're beautiful!" she declared, stuffing one in her mouth while it was still steaming. She yelped, fanning her tongue. "Hot!"
Lucas raised a brow. "You see? This is why patience is important."
Bella rolled her eyes but smiled as she broke one cookie in half and handed it to him. "Here. Try."
He took it, brushing her fingers slightly, and bit in. His expression gave away nothing at first, but then he nodded. "Not bad."
Rachel beamed proudly. "We did it!"
Bella, still glowing from the email, from Rachel's joy, from the way Lucas had held her a moment ago, felt her heart settle into a warmth she hadn't known in a long time. She looked at both of them—her daughter with crumbs on her cheeks, Lucas leaning casually against the counter but watching them with quiet intensity—and thought:
This… this feels like a home.