"There'll be plenty of time for that later," I grin.
We dress leisurely, our fingers trailing, our lips brushing together casually as we stand side by side. The simple joy of having this—someone to share lazy mornings with—still feels new, a gift I'll never take for granted.
As we descend the stairs, the scent of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee envelops us.
I give Morello a sideways glance.
We're the two who usually cook around here.
Yara stands at the stove, humming tunelessly as she flips pancakes.
"Morning, munchkin," I say, kissing the top of her head. Her smile lights up the room.
"I made breakfast all by myself!"
"I see that!" I laugh, looking at the flour that coats one side of the kitchen counter.
"It smells amazing." Morello grabs plates and mugs. "Look at you, junior chef extraordinaire."
Yara giggles. "I wanted to surprise you."
As we gather around the table, sunlight streams through the window, bathing our little makeshift family in its glow.
Morello squeezes my hand, his eyes crinkling.
"Can you believe this is our life now?" I ask softly.
"It feels like a dream," he says.
"A happy dream." Yara bites into a strip of bacon with relish. "We're like superheroes now. Breakfast superheroes!"
Her quip startles a laugh from me. Morello grins, leaning back in his chair.
"That we are, kiddo."
Yara's joy is contagious. The laughter bubbles up inside me, sweet and light.
My heart is overflowing.
The laughter lingers as we finish up breakfast. A new energy buzzes through me—today is the day. I've been waiting for this moment for years.
"Your mom's flight gets in soon, right?" Morello asks.
I nod, butterflies swirling in my stomach. "Her plane should be landing within the hour."
It's been over two years since I last saw my mother in person, except for the brief visit back home—and that was extremely traumatic, because it felt like I was ripping my heart out by leaving her again.
We've talked on the phone when possible, but today's reunion will be emotional.
I can't wait to embrace her and show her the life I'm building here. And to make her part of it.
After the dishes are cleared, we pile into Morello's truck and head for the airport.
Yara bounces around in the back seat, just as excited.
"I can't wait to see Grandma!" she exclaims.
Her words make my heart buzz.