The next morning, Maya woke to the sound of little feet padding across the hardwood floor. She barely had time to open her eyes before Noah climbed onto the bed, snuggling into her side.

"Mommy, wake up," he whispered, his curly hair tickling her arm. "Daddy's making pancakes."

She let out a sleepy laugh, rubbing her belly before pulling Noah closer. "Is he? Did you already have some?"

Noah shook his head. "He said we gotta wait for you."

Maya's heart swelled. Jordan always made sure their mornings started together, no matter how busy life got.

"Alright, let's go before he burns them," she teased, sitting up and stretching.

Hand in hand, she and Noah made their way downstairs, where the smell of syrup and fresh coffee filled the air. Jordan stood at the stove, flipping pancakes like a pro, while Jayden sat at the table, already sipping on orange juice.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Jordan greeted, flashing Maya a smile before leaning in for a quick kiss.

"Morning," she murmured against his lips, then glanced at the stack of pancakes. "And wow, I'm impressed. You didn't burn anything."

Jordan feigned offense. "First of all, I'm great in the kitchen."

"Yeah," Jayden chimed in, "as long as it's breakfast food."

Bruno suddenly strolled in, rubbing his face sleepily. "Y'all are way too loud for this early."

Maya arched a brow. "It's almost ten, Bruno."

"Exactly. Too early." He flopped down at the table, grabbing a plate. "But since I'm here, I might as well eat."

Jordan shook his head with a grin. "Man, you practically live here now."

Bruno shrugged, taking a bite of pancake. "And? Y'all are stuck with me."

Jayden and Noah laughed, clearly happy about that. Maya just smiled, watching as their home felt fuller, warmer. She loved that Bruno felt comfortable enough to just walk in, help himself to breakfast, and be part of their everyday life.

As they sat together, Maya reached for Jordan's hand under the table, giving it a squeeze. Their family was growing in more ways than one-not just with the baby on the way, but with the people who truly mattered.

Bruno caught the look between them and smirked. "Alright, don't get all sappy on me now."

Maya laughed. "Too late."

Jordan grinned, shaking his head as he passed her the syrup. "Welcome to the family, man. No getting out now."

Bruno mock-sighed. "Guess I'll just have to deal with all this love and free food."

As laughter filled the kitchen, Maya realized that no matter how crazy life got, this-this unbreakable bond-was what truly mattered.