Leo headed out the door, briefcase in hand. "I'll be back later, baby," he said, giving Lily a quick kiss. "Have a good day."
Lily smiled, waving goodbye. She was looking forward to a relaxing day at home.
Just as she was settling in, the doorbell rang. Lily got up to answer it, and was surprised to see Rachel standing on the porch.
"Hey, girl!" Zoey exclaimed, giving Lily a hug. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by."
Lily smiled, happy to see her friend. "Come on in," she said. "I'm just hanging out at home today."
As they sat down in the living room, Mrs. Jenkins joined them, a tray of fresh-baked cookies in hand.
"Hello, dear," Mrs. Jenkins said, smiling at Zoey. "It's so nice to see you."
Zoey smiled back, taking a cookie. "Thanks, Mrs. Jenkins. These look delicious."
Lily grinned mischievously. "Zoey, how's things with you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Any new crushes?"
Zoey's face turned bright red, and Lily knew she had hit a nerve.
"Marco?" Lily teased, laughing. "Do you have a thing for Marco?"
Zoey's face grew even redder, and she looked like she was about to explode. "Lily, shut up!" she exclaimed, laughing.
Mrs. Jenkins chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, dear, it seems like someone has a secret crush," she teased.
Lily grinned, leaning in. "Spill the beans, Zoey," she said. "What's going on with you and Marco?"
Zoey sighed, rolling her eyes. "Fine," she said. "Maybe I do have a little crush on him. But it's not a big deal."
Lily squealed, clapping her hands. "I knew it!" she exclaimed. "You two would make such a cute couple."
Mrs. Jenkins smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yes, dear, you two do seem like a good match."
Zoey blushed, looking embarrassed. "Thanks, guys," she said. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's just a crush, after all."
Lily grinned, teasing her. "Oh, come on, Zoey," she said. "You have to admit, Marco is pretty hot."
Zoey laughed, shaking her head. "You're not helping, Lily," she said.
As the afternoon wore on, Lily began to feel her exhaustion catch up with her. She yawned, trying to stifle it, but Zoey noticed.
"Lily, why don't you go take a nap?" Zoey suggested. "You look like you're about to fall asleep."
Lily nodded, feeling grateful. "Yeah, that's a good idea," she said.
Mrs. Jenkins helped Lily get settled on the couch, and Zoey pulled out her laptop. "I'll work on that fashion design project research while you sleep," she said.
Lily smiled, feeling relieved. "Thanks, Zoey," she said. "You're a lifesaver."
As Lily drifted off to sleep, Zoey got to work on the research. She spent hours browsing through fashion blogs, looking for inspiration and ideas.
When Lily woke up, Zoey was still working away. "Hey, sleepyhead," Zoey said, smiling. "I've got some great ideas for your project."
Lily sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Thanks, Zoey," she said. "I really appreciate it."
Zoey handed her a cup of coffee, and Lily took a sip, feeling more alert. "Okay, let's see what you've got," she said.
Zoey grinned, pulling out her laptop. "I've found some amazing inspiration," she said. "Let me show you."
Zoey started showing Lily the fashion blogs and websites she had found, and Lily's eyes widened with excitement. "These are amazing!" she exclaimed.
Zoey smiled, happy to have been able to help. "I know, right?" she said. "I was thinking we could incorporate some of these ideas into your project."
Lily nodded, taking notes as Zoey showed her more designs and inspiration. As they worked, Mrs. Jenkins came in with a tray of snacks and drinks.
"I thought you girls might need a little pick-me-up," she said, smiling.
Lily and Zoey thanked her, munching on the snacks as they continued to work on the project. As the evening wore on, they made great progress, and Lily felt grateful to have Rachel's help.
Just as they were finishing up, Leo walked in the door, looking tired but happy. "Hey, baby," he said, giving Lily a kiss. "How was your day?"
Lily smiled, feeling happy to see him. "It was good," she said. "Zoey helped me with my project."
Leo smiled, thanking Zoey. "I appreciate it," he said. "You're a lifesaver."
Zoey grinned, packing up her laptop. "Anytime," she said. "I'll see you guys later."
As Zoey left, Lily snuggled up close to Leo. "I'm glad you're home," she said.
Leo wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "I'm glad to be home," he said.
As they sat there, Lily started to feel a little sleepy again. Leo noticed and smiled. "Time for bed, baby?" he asked.
Lily nodded, yawning. "Yeah, I think so."
Leo stood up, scooping her up in his arms. "I'll carry you," he said, smiling.
Lily laughed, feeling a little silly. "You don't have to do that," she said.
But Leo just shook his head. "I want to," he said. "You're carrying our baby. I'm supposed to take care of you."
Lily smiled, feeling grateful. "I love you," she said.
Leo smiled back, carrying her up the stairs. "I love you too," he said.
As they got ready for bed, Lily couldn't help but feel happy. She had a wonderful boyfriend, a beautiful home, and a baby on the way. What more could she ask for?
As they drifted off to sleep, Lily felt Leo's arms around her, holding her close. She knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
The next morning, Lily woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She stretched, yawning, and Leo smiled, watching her.
"Good morning, beautiful," he said, leaning in to kiss her.
Lily smiled, feeling happy. "Good morning," she replied.
As they got out of bed, Lily realized that she had a doctor's appointment that day. "Oh no, I almost forgot," she said, panicking.
Leo calmed her down, reassuring her that they would make it on time. "Don't worry, baby," he said. "We'll get there."
As they headed to the doctor's office, Lily couldn't help but feel a little nervous. She had been feeling great, but she knew that anything could happen during pregnancy.
When they arrived at the office, the doctor greeted them with a smile. "Hello, Lily," she said. "How are you feeling today?"
Lily took a deep breath, answering the doctor's questions. As the appointment progressed, she began to feel more at ease.
The doctor smiled, reassuring her. "Everything looks great, Lily," she said. "You're doing wonderfully."
Lily let out a sigh of relief, feeling happy. "Thank you, doctor," she said.
As they left the office, Leo put his arm around her. "See, baby?" he said. "I told you everything would be okay."
Lily smiled, leaning into him. "I know," she said. "I just get a little worried sometimes."
Leo pulled her close, hugging her. "I'm here for you, baby," he said. "Always."