CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY FIVE – HER BECK AND CALL

As the weeks progressed, Rebecca's pregnancy became more pronounced, and the reality of impending parenthood began to settle in. One morning, as they sat at the breakfast table, Rebecca broached the subject that had been on her mind for days. "Luca," she said, stirring her decaf tea, "we need to start thinking about the nursery." Luca looked up from his newspaper, a piece of toast halfway to his mouth. "The nursery? Isn't it a bit early for that?" Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Early? I'm already in my second trimester! We need to get started now if we want everything ready in time." Luca set down his toast, giving her his full attention. "Alright, what did you have in mind?" Rebecca's eyes lit up. She pulled out a sketchpad from seemingly nowhere and flipped it open. "I've been working on some ideas. I'm thinking a woodland theme, with soft greens and browns. We could paint a mural of trees on one wall, and—" "Whoa, whoa," Luca interrupted, holding up his hands. "Paint a mural? Rebec