Signed In Ink, Sealed In Love
Chapter 87
Thirty-three weeks.
The nursery was finished.
Not showroom perfect - lived in.
Crib made. Clothes folded. Tiny socks arranged like they mattered.
Aria stood in the doorway and exhaled slowly.
"It actually looks real," she murmured.
Leo came up behind her.
"It is real."
She smiled faintly.
"I still expect it to disappear."
He placed his hands on her shoulders.
"It won't."
Another strong kick answered from within.
She laughed softly.
"They agree."
He lowered his hand to her stomach.
The movement pressed outward.
He shook his head slightly.
"Still dramatic."
"Like their father."
He smirked.
"Careful."
At 33 weeks, hospital bag prep became serious.
Not anxious.
Practical.
Aria sat on the bed with a checklist.
Clothes.
Toiletries.
Documents.
Leo walked in carrying a small suitcase.
"What's that?" she asked.
"Our bag."
She stared at him.
"You packed it already?"
"Yes."
"I was making a list."
"I already know the list."
She raised a brow.
"You research everything."
"I prepare."
He placed the bag at the foot of the bed.
"If we need to leave quickly, it's ready."
That quieted her.
Not fear.
Preparation.
She appreciated it.
Nesting instincts were stronger now.
One afternoon she spent an hour rearranging the kitchen cabinet so cups were in perfect order.
Leo watched silently.
"You've moved those three times."
"They weren't aligned."
"They are now."
She stepped back and inspected it.
Better.
"Okay."
He leaned against the counter.
"You're nesting."
"Yes."
"It's normal."
She looked at him.
"You say that a lot."
"Because it is."
Her shoulders relaxed slightly.
"I feel like I need everything perfect."
"It never will be."
She blinked.
"That's comforting?"
"It should be."
He walked over and kissed her forehead.
"Good enough is enough."
That mattered.
At 34 weeks, they planned the private gender reveal.
No social media.
No crowd.
Just family.
Aria's mother arrived first.
She hugged her tightly.
"You look beautiful," her mother said.
"I feel heavy."
"That means they're growing."
Aria smiled.
"Yes."
No complicated history here.
Her mother was steady.
Supportive.
Present.
Next came Noah - her younger brother.
He grinned.
"Twins are going to steal all your attention."
"They already have."
He hugged her carefully.
"Don't drop me," she joked.
"I'm stronger than you think."
She laughed.
"Debatable."
Then came Leo's parents.
Not traditional, rigid, or controlling.
Warm.
Supportive.
Hale Moretti (Leo's mother) smiled when she saw Aria.
"You look radiant."
Aria returned the smile.
"Thank you."
Hale placed a hand gently on her arm.
"You're carrying beautifully."
Aria softened.
"Some days it doesn't feel beautiful."
Hale shook her head.
"It is."
No drama.
No undercurrent of judgment.
Just acceptance.
That mattered.
The gender reveal was small.
A private setup in the living room.
Blue or pink balloons inside a box.
Leo stood beside her.
"You ready?" he asked.
"Yes."
He squeezed her hand.
"No matter what it is, I'm happy."
She looked at him.
"Me too."
That was true.
Gender didn't change anything.
It was about life.
Family.
Growth.
They opened the box together.
Balloons floated out.
Pink.
Both of them stared for a moment.
Then Aria laughed softly.
"Girls."
Twins.
Two girls.
Leo smiled.
"Daughters."
He looked at her.
"You okay?"
"Yes."
Her eyes glistened slightly.
"Daughters."
He pulled her into a gentle hug.
"Happy?"
"Yes."
No dramatic tears.
Just emotion.
Real emotion.
Hale clapped softly.
"Girls are wonderful."
Noah grinned.
"More chaos."
Aria laughed.
"Thanks."
After everyone left, the house felt quiet again.
Not lonely.
Full.
Leo helped her sit on the couch.
"You handled that well."
She smiled faintly.
"It wasn't hard."
"You seemed emotional."
"That's normal."
He nodded.
"Yes."
She placed a hand over her stomach.
"Daughters."
He knelt in front of her.
"Two little Morettis."
She raised a brow.
"They might take after me."
He smirked.
"I hope so."
She touched his cheek gently.
"You're excited."
"Yes."
No hesitation.
She studied his face.
"You're going to spoil them."
"Absolutely."
She laughed softly.
"Terrifying."
"Wonderful."
_
Hospital bag.
Gender reveal.
Nesting.
Family involvement.
No unnecessary drama.
Just preparation.
Real life pressure existed - but marriage remained steady.
Leo protective without being overbearing.
Aria emotional at times but grounded.
Rich Moretti life, yes - but not flaunting it.
Private moments mattered more.
Two daughters on the way.
Thirty-four weeks.
Almost there.
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