🍼 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝐹𝒾𝒻𝓉𝑒𝑒𝓃: 𝒜 𝒩𝑒𝓌 𝐵𝑒𝑔𝒾𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 🎀🧸

Lucas's little brain was still trying to catch up.

Family.

That word had always felt far away—like something he wasn't supposed to have. But now, sitting on Amari's lap, being hugged so tight, he felt... different. Warm. Safe.

And a little sleepy.

He nuzzled into Amari's hoodie, his fingers clutching the fabric. His juice cup sat forgotten on the coffee table, and Momo, his tiny plush bunny, was tucked against his chest.

Mrs. Choi smiled softly. "Aww, baby boy's getting sleepy, huh?"

Lucas blushed hard. "Nuh-uh..."

Amari chuckled. "Lying ass."

Lucas pouted, scrunching up his nose. "No cussing..."

Amari just smirked, rubbing his back in slow, calming circles. "I'ma talk how I talk, tiny."

Mrs. Choi laughed at their dynamic, shaking her head before glancing at the clock. "Mrs. Min should be here soon."

Lucas perked up, suddenly wide awake. "M-mommy's coming?"

Mrs. Choi nodded. "Mhm. She should be pulling up any minute now."

Lucas chewed on his lip. His mommy was very protective. She always worried about him, especially since his dad left. Would she like Amari's family? Would she let Lucas come back here?

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening.

Lucas's little heart jumped.

"Lucas?"

His mommy's voice.

Lucas slid off Amari's lap so fast he almost tripped over his own feet. He rushed toward the doorway just as his mom—Mrs. Min—stepped inside.

She was small like Lucas, with long, dark hair and soft brown eyes that were always filled with worry. Right now, her face was tight with concern as she looked around—until her gaze landed on him.

Her expression softened immediately. "Oh, baby..."

Lucas practically launched himself into her arms. "Mommy—!"

Mrs. Min caught him easily, wrapping him up in the kind of hug only moms could give. Lucas melted into her, pressing his face into her shoulder as she rocked him gently.

"I was so worried," she murmured, kissing the top of his head. "Are you okay? Did they treat you well?"

Lucas nodded fast. "Mhm! Mommy, they was so nice, an' Amari's mommy made me juice, an'—"

Mrs. Min pulled back just enough to cup his face. "Baby, slow down."

Lucas blinked up at her, trying to catch his breath.

That's when Mrs. Min finally turned to Amari's parents.

Mr. Choi stood tall and serious, while Mrs. Choi gave her a warm smile.

Mrs. Min straightened up, instantly in protective mommy mode. "You must be Amari's parents."

Mrs. Choi stepped forward, offering her hand. "I'm Naomi Choi, and this is my husband, David. It's lovely to finally meet you, Mrs. Min."

Mrs. Min hesitated before shaking her hand. "It's nice to meet you too."

Lucas clung to her side, looking up nervously. He really wanted his mommy to like Amari's family.

Mrs. Choi smiled warmly. "Lucas is an absolute sweetheart."

Lucas blushed. "Nuh-uh..."

Mrs. Choi chuckled. "Oh, yes, you are. And you're always welcome here, sweetheart."

Mrs. Min's expression softened a little. "That's... kind of you."

Mr. Choi spoke then, his voice deep and steady. "Lucas is important to our son. We just want you to know he'll always be safe here."

Mrs. Min studied him for a long moment. Then she let out a slow breath, her shoulders relaxing just a little. "That's... good to hear."

Lucas beamed, his little heart soaring.

Maybe... just maybe... this could really be okay.

💖🍼✨