Never again!

Never again!
Freya

I was all freshened up and just enjoying the sweet ambiance when I heard voices from downstairs. I immediately knew who it was and I didn't wait.
I fled down the stairs, and the moment she saw me, her face lit up. She opened her arms and I walked straight into them.
“Look at you,” she said, stepping back and holding my cheeks.
“You’re all over. That honeymoon really did wonders.” she added while I laughed lightly.
“Well… it was a month of Victor trying to wrap me in bubble wrap.”
“I bet,” she smirked, setting her bag down as her stethoscope peeked out.
“Now let me see my niece. I’ve missed her kicks.” she let out.
“Oh my goodness, Stacey, she's totally fine, I'm sure.” I replied but she still dragged me upstairs to the bedroom. I laid down on the bed while she got her small kit out. It was just the basics but somehow, even hearing the sound of rubbing alcohol and the soft beep of the doppler made me feel safer.
Stacey pressed the cool gel and placed the device gently. We waited and then the sound filled the room.
That little but strong heartbeat, making my eyes softened immediately.
“Hey, baby girl…” I whispered.
“She’s perfect,” Stacey said with a smile, watching the readings.
“Heartbeat is great, position is fine and wow, she’s kicking so confidently today.” she announced while I rested my hand over my stomach.
“She kicked a lot on the flight. I think she’s tired of traveling as much as we are.” I replied and Stacey glanced up at me, then her smile faded into something a little more serious.
“I know Victor takes care of you but tell me honestly, did you go through any stress while you were away?” she asked and I shook my head.
“He wouldn’t even let me lift a bag. I couldn’t walk up stairs alone. He held my back every time, and even wiped the bathroom floor dry before I stepped out of the shower.” I explained and she laughed.
“That’s Victor for you.”
“And if it wasn’t for Nolan showing up like a storm, we wouldn’t even be home yet. We would still be on the cruise.” I added while Stacey sighed and sat on the edge of the bed.
“I heard about Nolan. I know the industry is shaking.”
“It is,” I admitted quietly.
“But Victor is already handling it. He stayed up the whole flight working on his laptop. He already called for a board meeting today. He’s on top of it, Stacey. He always is.” I affirmed and she nodded.
A few minutes later, she wiped the gel from my belly and kissed it softly before helping me sit up.
“You’re strong. She’s going to be strong too.” she whispered while I smiled.
“She already is.” I retorted.
We got talking afterward and didn't even know the day had gotten by until the door opened and Victor appeared at the doorway, loosening his tie. When he saw Stacey, a sweet smile broke through his tired face.
“Finally home, how was the board meeting?” She said, hugging him.
“Intense but productive.” He looked at me briefly and I could tell he meant because of me.
We went downstairs for dinner, the Chef had just finished and the aroma filled the house. There was grilled salmon, lemon butter sauce, roasted vegetables, fresh bread.
Stacey sat across from me and smiled at how Victor helped me into my chair, pulled it gently forward, poured my water before his own.
“Overprotective much?” Stacey teased while Victor just looked at me with that quiet seriousness.
“Two of you are sitting at this table. I’m responsible for both.” he let out, playfully ignoring her.
We ate slowly while talking about the board meeting and Stacey offered a few medical stress warnings that Victor should watch out for since he now has a tight schedule.
After dinner, Victor saw her off while I went upstairs, giving them time to bond too. As I removed my earrings and washed my face, my baby girl kicked once and then again.
“Hey baby, trying to get some attention too?” I asked with a soft smile while running gently on my bump.
I was just leaving the bathroom when Victor entered the room. He loosened his shirt first, giving me a tired but relieved smile.
“You smell like strawberries,” he said.
“Because your wife deserves to smell like fruit,” I teased, walking toward him. He pulled me close and kissed my forehead gently and then slowly rested his forehead against mine and finally exhaled.
That was when I knew the boardroom was a battlefield today, and not easy like he made it seem at dinner.
“How did it go?” I asked softly while he held my waist, as though grounding himself with me.
“They were scared, some even looked… defeated already.” He replied and I nodded slightly.
“But you aren’t.” I mumbled.
“No, not when I have you.” he whispered and we just looked at each other quietly for a moment.
“Dinner was perfect,” I said, stroking his hair.
“Thank you for arranging it all before we came back. The chef told me.”
“I wanted tonight to feel like home before everything starts again.” He said quietly and I kissed him.
“I got a call earlier today,” I finally said while his brows raised slightly.
“Who?”
“A major investor. They want to meet me personally about a new project. And not just that, there was a second call too.” I reveaked while he looked surprised.
“I was surprised too. It was a board member’s wife from Nolan’s camp.” I added and his eyes sharpened instantly.
“What?!”
“She said Nolan is planning something bigger and I should warn you. I asked why she was helping, and she said she’ll explain when we meet at the launch event.”
Victor’s jaw tightened slightly but he didn’t panic. He only nodded once and said,
“Then we meet her and we listen to whatever she has to say.” he replied while I smiled.
He reached down and placed his palm over my belly, rubbing gently.
“How's my little angel doing?” he quizzed while I rested my hand over his.
“Fine as always,” I simply said.
That night, I stayed awake longer than usual and I wasn't even thinking about work. I just curled up in his arms, reminding myself that of everything that has happened and still happening.
And in the midst of it all, one thing is certain. I will never let anyone take our peace away from us again. Never!