24. Janta

CHAPTER 24

Janta

T he early morning light filters through the curtains, gently waking me from a restless sleep. I lay in bed for a moment, savoring the familiar sounds of Rayna bustling about downstairs with Lily. The echo of my daughter's happy giggles never fails to lift my spirits, even on the toughest days.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Rayna calls cheerfully as she enters our room with a steaming mug of coffee. "Did you sleep okay?"

I stretch, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "Not bad. Thanks," I reply with a tired smile.

Rayna sets the coffee down on the bedside table and sits beside me, her expression serious yet gentle. "I want to talk to you about something," she begins.

I prop myself up on my elbows, suddenly alert. "What is it?"

"I've been thinking about us, about our future," Rayna says softly, reaching out to take my hand. "I love you, Janta, and I love Lily like she's my own. I want us to be a real family. I was serious when I said I want to give this relationship a real try."

Her words hang in the air, and for a moment, I am speechless. "Rayna, I want that too," I say slowly, overwhelmed by the depth of her sincerity. A smile spreads across my face as I take in her brilliant blue eyes as if it's the first time.

She smiles, relief evident in her eyes. "I know we've been taking things slow, but I think we're ready. I'm ready."

I pull her into a tight embrace, feeling a rush of emotions—gratitude, love, and a profound sense of hope for our future together.

Reluctantly, I pull myself from the warm comfort of our bed and shuffle into the bathroom for a quick shower. The hot water helps clear my mind, preparing me for what is sure to be another demanding day.

Dressed and ready, I follow the tempting aroma of breakfast to the kitchen. Rayna has already set out eggs, toast, and a freshly brewed pot of coffee—an indulgence compared to my usual rushed meals. "You're amazing," I murmur, pressing a grateful kiss to her cheek before diving into breakfast.

As we eat, Rayna studies me with a concerned gaze. "You look exhausted, Janta. Have you been sleeping?"

I sigh, stirring my coffee absently. "Not much. Work has been hectic lately, and I can't seem to catch a break."

Her expression softens with understanding. "You've been pushing yourself so hard. Maybe it's time to talk to your assistant about adjusting your workload."

I hesitate, the weight of responsibilities at work pressing down on me. "I'll consider it. It's just... there's so much to do, and I want to provide for both of you."

Rayna reaches across the table, taking my hand gently. "We appreciate everything you do, but we need you here too. Lily needs her dad, and I need my partner."

Her words strike a chord. I have been so focused on work that I haven't fully appreciated how much Rayna is shouldering at home. "I hear you," I murmur, squeezing her hand. "I'll try to find a better balance."

Over the next few days, I notice Rayna taking on more household responsibilities without complaint. She manages the grocery shopping, keeps the house organized, and ensures Lily's needs are met with an effortless grace that leaves me in awe. It is clear she is easing my burdens to support me.

One evening, after putting Lily to bed, Rayna joins me in the living room. She settles beside me on the couch, her eyes filled with concern and love. "Janta, I see how hard you're working. But you can't do it all. You need breaks. You need time with us."

I look at her, feeling a surge of gratitude and guilt. "I'm sorry, Rayna. I've been so caught up..."

She places a finger on my lips gently. "We're a team, remember? We'll figure this out together."

Her unwavering support is a balm to my soul. The next morning, I wake up with a renewed determination to find a better balance between work and family. Rayna is already up, preparing breakfast while Lily chatters happily in her highchair. The sight of them fills me with a deep sense of appreciation.

As we eat, I stand and walk over to Rayna, wrapping my arms around her from behind. "Thank you," I whisper into her hair.

She turns to face me, a soft smile on her lips. "For what?"

"For everything. For holding us together, for believing in me."

Her smile widens, and she leans up to kiss me tenderly. "We're in this together, Janta."

Later that day, after a particularly demanding morning at work, I find Rayna in the kitchen preparing lunch. Lily has already been put to bed, her soft breathing echoing through the house. I lean against the doorway, watching Rayna move with a quiet determination.

"I didn't expect you to still be up," I say softly, feeling a pang of guilt for coming home so late again.

Rayna turns, offering me a tired but reassuring smile. "I wanted to make sure everything was in order for tomorrow. How was your day?"

I run a hand through my hair wearily. "Long. There's so much riding on this project, and I can't seem to get ahead."

She walks over and places a comforting hand on my arm. "You're doing your best, Janta. But remember, it's okay to ask for help."

I nod, feeling the weight of her words sink in. "I know. I just... I want to provide for you both, to give Lily everything she deserves."

"You already do," Rayna says firmly, her gaze unwavering. "But we need you more than just financially. We need you here, with us."

Her words resonate deeply. I realize then how much Rayna's presence and support mean to me—not just as a partner in parenting but as a true companion in life. She is the steady anchor that keeps our family grounded, the unwavering support that gives me strength to face each day's challenges.

As the days go by, I make a conscious effort to prioritize my time with Rayna and Lily. We carve out moments for family dinners, weekend outings to the park, and quiet evenings together at home. Rayna's smile and Lily's laughter become the highlights of my day, grounding me in what truly matters.

One Saturday morning, as we sit together in the backyard while Lily plays in the grass, I pull Rayna close. "Thank you," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

She looks up at me, her eyes shining with affection. "For what?"

"For everything," I reply sincerely. "For believing in me, for supporting me through all of this."

Her smile is gentle, filled with understanding. "We're a team, Janta. Always."