Chapter Text
The next morning arrived with the soft warmth of sunlight spilling through the curtains. Lena stirred awake, the peaceful quiet of the early hours filling the room. She smiled as she felt Alex's arm around her, still nestled close.
"Morning," Alex whispered groggily, her voice low and warm.
Lena shifted slightly, brushing a strand of hair away from Alex's face. "Morning, love. You sleep okay?"
Alex yawned and nodded, her eyes fluttering open. "I did, surprisingly. I was a little nervous about today, but now I just feel… excited." She smiled, sitting up and stretching. "So, are we really doing this? Looking at the house today?"
Lena sat up beside her, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. "Yeah. I think it’s time. I can’t wait to see it in person, to start planning our future. I know we’ve talked about it for a while, but now that we’re making it real, it feels… different. In a good way."
Alex smiled, her eyes shining with love and support. "I think it's the perfect next step for us. We’ve been through so much already, and this house, it feels like it's the beginning of something bigger. Something we’ve always wanted."
Lena leaned in and kissed her softly. "I couldn’t agree more."
After a quiet breakfast, the two women bundled up for the chilly winter morning, Esme still snoozing peacefully in her room. They quickly gathered their things and made their way to the house, their excitement palpable.
The drive was filled with chatter about what their life would look like in the new home. Alex suggested a bigger kitchen for Lena to bake in and a cozy reading nook by the window, while Lena pictured the small garden she’d want to plant for Esme.
When they finally pulled up in front of the house, Lena felt a rush of emotions. The house was everything they’d dreamed of. It wasn’t too big, but it had just enough space for the three of them, with room to grow.
“This is it,” Lena whispered, gazing up at the warm, brick exterior. "This could be our home."
Alex grinned, squeezing Lena’s hand. "Let’s go see if it feels just as right inside."
They stepped into the house, the scent of fresh paint and polished wood floors greeting them. The spacious living room opened up into a kitchen that seemed to call to Lena immediately. She could picture herself standing there, baking cookies with Esme, just as they had talked about the night before.
The house had an inviting, comfortable feel, with plenty of light streaming through the windows and an open layout that made it easy to imagine their family there. There was even a small, fenced-in backyard—perfect for a little garden and a swing set for Esme.
Lena and Alex took their time exploring each room, imagining their future. They talked about how they would decorate, where they’d put Esme’s toys, and what colors they would paint the walls. The possibilities felt endless.
“This place is perfect, Lena,” Alex said softly, her voice full of certainty. "It’s just right for us."
Lena nodded, feeling her heart swell. “It really is. It’s not just the house—it’s the life we’re going to build here. I can see it all already."
They walked through the house once more, the final tour before they made their decision. As they stood in the living room, looking out at the backyard, Alex turned to Lena, her eyes full of love.
"I think we should make an offer," Alex said, her voice firm but filled with excitement. "I want this to be our home."
Lena smiled, her heart full. "I couldn’t agree more. Let’s make it official."
That afternoon, after meeting with the real estate agent and agreeing to put in an offer, Lena and Alex sat in their car, their hands intertwined.
“It feels surreal, doesn’t it?” Lena said, her voice soft.
“Yeah, but it feels right. I know this is the next step. And I can’t wait to spend every day with you and Esme here,” Alex said, squeezing Lena’s hand.
The drive home was quiet, but the air between them buzzed with anticipation. They were ready for this. Ready for the house, ready for the wedding, ready for the future they would build together.
When they arrived home, Esme was awake and waiting for them, her big blue eyes full of energy. She rushed to them as soon as they stepped inside, wrapping her arms around both of their legs.
“Mommy, Mommy! What’s the house like? Is it nice?” Esme asked excitedly.
Lena smiled down at her daughter, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “It’s beautiful, sweetheart. We’re going to make it our home.”
Esme’s eyes lit up. “Can I have my own room?”
Lena laughed, kneeling down to Esme’s level. “Of course, baby. You’ll have your own room, and we’ll decorate it however you want. How does that sound?”
Esme clapped her hands with excitement. “Yay! I’m going to put all my toys in there!”
Alex chuckled softly, wrapping her arm around Lena. “I think it’s going to be perfect.”
Later that evening, after dinner, the three of them curled up on the couch together. Lena leaned back, content in the warmth of the moment, her heart full of love for her family.
Alex rested her hand on Lena’s, her thumb gently rubbing over her knuckles. "So, we’re really doing this. A house, a wedding... we’re building a life."
Lena looked over at Alex, her heart swelling with affection. “We really are. And I can’t wait to do it all with you.”