Chapter 253: Claiming each other

Lucas's cheeks warmed instantly.

"You've been calling me that all day."

"I know, and I'm not stopping because you're my little miracle."

A shy laugh escaped Lucas. "You've become even cheesier."

"Don't blame me, blame our baby."

"Our baby?"

Alex nodded, his eyes shining with happiness. "Yeah, our little miracle."

Emotion swelled inside Lucas's chest. Without another word, he threw his arms around Alex’s neck.

“Oh Alex, I'm so happy.”

Alex leaned in, as he whispered, “Me too baby, it's so overwhelming.”

Their lips met in a slow, gentle kiss.

There was no urgency, or desperation in it. It was filled with tenderness, gratitude, and love.

Alex kissed him as though he were something precious, something he'd nearly lost and had somehow been blessed with again.

Lucas melted into him, his fingers curled on Alex’s hair on his neck.

When the kiss deepened, Alex's hand slid down lower to Lucas's back, holding him closer without the slightest hint of pressure.

He was almost overly careful.

Lucas smiled against his lips before pulling back just enough to tease,

"You know...You don't have to handle me like I'm made of glass."

Alex searched his face. "I know, baby."

"But I can't help it."

His palm drifted gently to Lucas's still-flat stomach.

"I've got two people to protect now."

Lucas covered Alex's hand with his own. His eyes grew misty. "You've already protected us."

He rested his forehead against Alex's. "You brought me back. And now..." A bright smile spread across his face.

"You've given me a future I never thought I'd have. Alex's throat tightened. "You gave me that future first."

He kissed Lucas's forehead with quiet reverence.

"I'll spend the rest of my life making sure both of you smile."

Lucas laughed softly. "You're fussing already, and it's only been one day."

Alex grinned without a trace of embarrassment. "I've only just begun."

Their laughter blended together, filling the quiet room with warmth. They held each other close, savoring a rare moment of peace after the storms they had endured.

Their foreheads were still resting together when a familiar ringtone broke the quiet.

Lucas sighed softly. "There goes our moment." He reached into his pocket and glanced at the screen.

"Dad."

Alex's smile faded slightly. "Are you going to answer?"

Lucas nodded.

"If I don't pick up, he'll worry."

So he tapped the answer button and placed the call on the speaker.

"Hello, Dad."

"Lucas." His father's voice carried both relief and concern. "How are you feeling?"

Lucas smiled. "I'm much better now, Dad."

"I'm just glad you're safe, son," his father replied, his voice softening.

"When I heard what happened, I couldn't stop thinking about it."

"I'm okay now, Dad. The kidnappers have all been arrested. There's nothing to worry about anymore."

"That's good... very good."

A brief silence followed before his father asked the question Lucas had been expecting.

"So, have you gone back to your matrimonial home?"

Lucas glanced at Alex before answering honestly. "No, Dad. I'm still at the Benson’s mansion."

The silence on the other end lasted only a second before his father's voice rose sharply.

"Lucas! Have you completely lost your mind? You're a married man!

You have no business sneaking around with your ex!"

Alex's jaw clenched. His hands curled into fists. Every word made his temper rise another notch.

Ex? Sneaking around? He couldn't bear it and Lucas knew he would react.

He opened his mouth, ready to defend himself, but before a single word could leave his lips…Lucas turned swiftly, pulled Alex's face with his right hand. Then pressed a soft kiss against his lips, shutting him up.

Alex froze.

The anger he'd been holding onto melted almost instantly.

Lucas smiled against his lips, silently pleading with him not to interrupt.

His father, completely unaware of what was happening on the other end of the line, continued his lecture.

"May I remind you why you were kidnapped in the first place? It's because of Alex! If you had listened to me and stayed away from him, none of this would've happened."

Alex rolled his eyes but remained silent, his attention fixed entirely on Lucas.

Lucas stole another gentle kiss.

Then another.

Alex couldn't help smiling.

His father's voice droned on. "I warned you before. That family only brings trouble. You need to keep your distance. Go back to your wife.

Focus on your marriage, so you could give me grandchildren. Build your future with Derby."

By now, Lucas had completely abandoned any attempt to argue.

Instead, he wrapped his arms around Alex's neck and kissed him again, slowly and affectionately.

Alex chuckled quietly between kisses. "You little troublemaker," he whispered.

Lucas only smiled. His father was still talking.

"...and I don't want to hear that you're still staying over there. Do you understand me?"

Alex raised an amused eyebrow.

Lucas nodded dramatically toward the phone as if his father could somehow see him.

Finally, his father's voice became suspicious.

"Lucas, are you even listening to me?"

Lucas reluctantly pulled away from Alex just enough to answer. "Of course I am, Dad. I'm heading out already."

Satisfied, his father sighed.

"Good. You and Derby will build a peaceful future together."

Lucas glanced at Alex, whose expression had become almost comically jealous.

Lucas fought back a laugh. "Yes, Dad. I heard you."

"Alright then, take care of yourself, son. I'll come and visit this weekend.

We'll talk properly then."

"Alright, Dad. Take care of yourself too."

The call ended.

The room fell silent.

Alex folded his arms across his chest and stared at Lucas.

Lucas blinked innocently. "What?"

Alex narrowed his eyes. "So, you and Derby are going to have a peaceful future together?"

Lucas burst into laughter. "Come on Alex, don't start. You of all people know I was just trying to end the conversation."

Alex stepped closer until there was barely any space between them. "I know baby but I didn't like the sound of that."

Lucas smiled mischievously. "I noticed. It makes you jealous but you don't have to because I love you very  very much. You know that right?”

Alex wrapped an arm around his waist.

"Hmm, and for the record, let me make it clear." He leaned close enough for their noses to brush.

"The only future you're building is the one with me."

Lucas's smile softened. "And our baby."

Alex's expression instantly melted.

"Yes, and our baby."

He rested a gentle hand over Lucas's stomach before kissing his forehead.

"No one is taking either of you away from me again."

Lucas looked into his eyes and smiled.

"They won't have to because I'm already where I belong.

Lucas rested his head against Alex's shoulder, enjoying the warmth of his embrace.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

The room was peaceful, filled only with the quiet rhythm of their breathing.

Then Lucas gently lifted his head.

"There is something I need to do."

Alex looked down at him. "What is it?"

Lucas hesitated for a moment before answering. "I'm going to give Derby the divorce papers today."

Alex blinked.

"What?" His arms instinctively tightened around Lucas.

"Today?"

Lucas nodded, “Hmm.”

"Do you have to go today?"