The morning sun streamed through the windows of the mansion, bathing the room in a warm glow. Isla was in the kitchen, sipping her coffee and flipping through a recipe book while Dante leaned against the counter, scrolling through his phone. The peaceful moment was interrupted by the pitter-patter of small feet as Amara rushed into the room, her hair in a messy halo and her favorite stuffed bunny clutched in her hands.
“Mommy! Daddy!” she called out, her voice brimming with excitement.
Isla smiled, setting her coffee down. “Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes!” Amara beamed, climbing onto a stool at the kitchen island. “I had a dream!”
Dante chuckled, putting his phone down. “Oh? What did you dream about, little one?”
Amara’s face lit up, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I dreamed I had a baby brother! He was so cute, and we played all day!”
Isla choked on her coffee, coughing as she tried to process her daughter’s sudden proclamation. “A… a baby brother?”
“Yes!” Amara said confidently, nodding her head. “I want one! Can I have a baby brother, please?”
Dante burst out laughing, his deep voice filling the room. Isla shot him a look, her cheeks flushing.
“Amara,” Isla said, trying to keep her tone gentle but firm, “that’s not exactly how it works. You can’t just ask for a baby brother like you’d ask for a new toy.”
“Why not?” Amara pouted, crossing her arms. “You and Daddy can make one, right?”
Dante leaned closer, his smirk growing wider. “Well, she’s not wrong.”
“Dante!” Isla hissed, her face turning a deeper shade of red.
“What?” Dante said, feigning innocence. “She has a point.”
Amara looked between her parents, her confusion evident. “So… can I have one or not?”
Isla sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Amara, having a baby is a big decision. It’s not something we can just do because you want a little brother.”
“But I’ll take care of him!” Amara insisted, her voice rising with determination. “I’ll share my toys, and I’ll even help change his diapers!”
Dante chuckled again, pulling Amara into his arms. “That’s very sweet of you, princess. But it’s something Mommy and Daddy need to talk about, okay?”
Amara tilted her head, studying her father’s face. “You promise to talk about it?”
Dante nodded solemnly. “I promise.”
“Pinkie promise?” Amara held up her tiny pinkie, her gaze unwavering.
Dante hooked his pinkie around hers. “Pinkie promise.”
Satisfied, Amara grinned and hopped down from the stool. “Okay! I’m going to tell my bunny all about my baby brother!” She ran off, leaving her parents alone in the kitchen.
—
As soon as Amara was out of earshot, Isla turned to Dante, her hands on her hips. “Really? You’re encouraging this?”
Dante shrugged, his expression amused. “What’s the harm? She’s just a kid. She’ll forget about it in a week.”
Isla raised an eyebrow. “You clearly don’t know your daughter as well as I do. She’s stubborn, just like her father. She’s not going to let this go.”
Dante stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Isla’s waist. “And what’s so bad about giving her what she wants?”
Isla’s breath hitched as he pulled her closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear. “Dante,” she said, her voice faltering, “this isn’t a joking matter.”
“Who’s joking?” he murmured, his lips grazing her cheek.
Isla pushed him away, her face burning. “You’re impossible.”
Dante smirked, unbothered by her reaction. “I’m just saying, the idea isn’t completely ridiculous. Amara would make a great big sister, don’t you think?”
Isla groaned, running a hand through her hair. “I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation.”
—
Later that day, Isla and Dante took Amara to the park to distract her from her newfound obsession. They watched as she played on the swings, her laughter echoing through the air.
“She’s so full of energy,” Isla said, smiling as she watched their daughter.
“She gets that from you,” Dante said, his tone teasing.
Isla rolled her eyes. “Please. She’s your mini-me in every way that counts.”
Dante’s expression softened as he looked at Isla. “You know, she’s not entirely wrong.”
“About what?” Isla asked, turning to face him.
“About wanting a sibling,” Dante said, his gaze steady. “It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.”
Isla’s heart skipped a beat at his words. “Dante, are you serious?”
He nodded, his expression sincere. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. Amara has brought so much joy into our lives. I wouldn’t mind adding to that.”
Isla looked away, her emotions swirling. “It’s a big decision. A lot of responsibility.”
“I know,” Dante said, taking her hand in his. “But we’re in this together, remember? Whatever happens, we’ll figure it out.”
Isla met his gaze, her heart softening at the love she saw in his eyes. “Let’s take it one step at a time, okay?”
Dante smiled, pressing a kiss to her hand. “One step at a time.”
—
That evening, as they tucked Amara into bed, she looked up at them with wide, hopeful eyes.
“Did you talk about it?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Dante chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “We did, princess.”
“And?” Amara prompted, her excitement barely contained.
“We’ll see,” Isla said, leaning down to kiss her daughter’s forehead. “No promises, okay?”
Amara beamed, hugging her bunny tightly. “Okay! I love you, Mommy. I love you, Daddy.”
“We love you too,” Isla and Dante said in unison.
As they left Amara’s room, Isla couldn’t help but smile. The idea of expanding their family no longer seemed so daunting. Maybe, just maybe, it was time to take that next step.
Dante slid his arm around her waist as they walked down the hall. “So, how long do you think we can keep her waiting?”
Isla laughed, leaning into him. “Not long, knowing her.”
Dante smirked. “Good thing I’m a man of action.”
“Don’t push your luck,” Isla warned, though her tone was playful.
As they headed to their room, Isla couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the future. Life with Dante and Amara was never dull, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.