The Sunday sun filtered through the soft clouds, warm but gentle, like the universe knew the Wolfe family needed a slow day.
Elena sat on the checkered picnic blanket, her dress flowing around her legs as she rocked Liora in her arms. Zayden had set up everything—umbrella, snacks, baby bag, and even two portable fans near the twins' bassinet. He was practically vibrating with overprepared energy.
"Zay, you brought six bottles of sunscreen," Elena teased, watching him line up the fruit containers by size.
He gave her a sheepish look. "You never know. Sun shifts. UV rays. Surprise ants."
Elena laughed, resting her head back on her hand. "You've gone full dad mode."
He crouched beside her and gently kissed her cheek. "I just want this to be perfect."
"It already is." Her eyes softened as they fell on Elio, sleeping soundly under the shaded bassinet. "I missed this. Fresh air. The breeze."
Zayden sat down beside her, pulling her between his legs so she could rest against his chest.
"And what about us?" he whispered into her hair. "Did you miss this?"
Elena tilted her head slightly, catching his eyes. "Every day."
He stayed quiet. His arms wrapped around her, but there was something careful in the way he held her, like he was still afraid she'd break.
"Zay," she said gently, tracing lazy circles over his wrist, "you can touch me, you know."
"I know," he said, voice low. "It's just… you're still healing. And I don't want to hurt you. Or push anything before you're ready."
She turned in his arms, now facing him fully. "I carried two tiny humans inside me. I think I can handle my husband being close to me."
His eyes flicked up to hers, full of conflict and care. "It's not just about physical healing, Elena. It's about… respecting your space. What your body went through."
Elena cupped his cheek. "Zayden Wolfe, you make me feel more loved than any woman has a right to feel. But I need you to know this—I miss you. Not just emotionally. I miss being yours, completely."
He swallowed, voice hoarse. "You are mine. Always."
"Then don't hold back." Her voice was soft, but steady. "I promise, it won't harm me."
Zayden kissed her slowly then, deeply but tenderly, his hand brushing her jaw as though she were the most delicate masterpiece. It wasn't hurried. It wasn't desperate. It was familiar, grounding—like coming home.
The twins stirred in the distance, reminding them of their new, beautiful reality.
Elena smiled against his lips. "We should probably get used to being interrupted."
Zayden laughed softly, brushing a kiss over her forehead. "I don't mind. You and the babies are my whole world now."
"And you're mine," she whispered.
They leaned into each other, sunlight spilling around them, surrounded by soft laughter, sleepy coos, and the kind of peace that only
came after surviving every storm together.
---