Kate woke up wrapped in Bastien’s scent. A smile spread across her lips.

His arms held her close against his chest, which rose and fell gently with each breath.

She looked up and kissed his jaw, then his neck. Her hands caressed his back, and Bastien’s arms instinctively tightened around her.

“Mmm, good morning, princess. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, as always.”

Bastien buried his face in her neck, breathing her in.

“I’m glad. And how’s my little princess behaving?”

“Well. No nausea this morning. I think she calms down when I talk to her, haha.”

“Of course she does. She’s Daddy’s little princess.”

“Love, I’m going out with Ara today.”

“Where to?”

“We’re going lingerie shopping.”

“Oh, really? Or are you going to another burlesque bar with half-naked dancers?”

“No, I swear. This time we really are shopping. Ara wants to surprise Lucca.”

“Lucky guy.”

“Maybe I’ll surprise you too,” Kate teased. Bastien looked up at her with a mischievous smile and a raised eyebrow.

“I’d love that, sweethear