Chapter 3926

Zachary pulled Serenity close, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. But one kiss wasn’t enough. He pressed the back of her head gently as he deepened the kiss, pouring all his love and longing into the moment. It had been a long time since they had shared such intimacy. The doctor had advised them to abstain from sex during the months leading up to and following conception, and Zachary had meticulously adhered to this guidance, unwilling to take any risks with the baby. However, now that the restriction was lifted, the temptation was undeniable.

Still, his self-restraint remained strong. Reluctantly breaking the kiss, Zachary leaned in and whispered huskily into her ear, “When the baby’s here, I’m getting it all back—with interest.” Serenity’s cheeks flushed a deep red, and her heart raced. She lightly swatted his chest, her shyness making her even more endearing to him. Her bashful expression ignited something fierce within Zachary, but he took a steadying breath and forced himself to step back. “I’ll run you a bath,” he murmured softly. “Take a soak and rest early, alright?” Without waiting for her response, he disappeared into the bathroom.

Serenity watched him go, a small smile tugging at her lips. A few minutes later, Zachary reemerged, carrying her favorite pajamas. “Do you want to wash your hair?” he asked, concern evident in his voice. “I can help if it’s too much.”

Serenity shook her head. “I just washed it last night. My mom used to say not to wash your hair every day or you’d get headaches when you’re older. I’m not sure if that’s true, but I stick to washing every other day—especially in winter. Long hair and daily washing? No thanks.”

Zachary chuckled. “Fair enough. Tomorrow at noon, then. I’ll help you wash.”

“It’s okay,” she said with a smile. “I can manage skipping another day.”

He raised an eyebrow, his expression playful yet intense. “How about I help you now? Or perhaps…” His voice dropped suggestively. “We could take a bath together.”

Serenity laughed, catching his hint immediately. “I wouldn’t mind a couple’s bath, but I’m afraid you’d be the one left exhausted,” she teased, her words holding a double meaning.

Zachary blinked, momentarily at a loss for words.

With a smile, Serenity reached for the pajamas in his hands. “I can take care of it myself. You don’t need to freeze in a cold bath in this weather just for me.”

Although Wiltspoon’s winters weren’t particularly harsh, the nights were still chilly. A cold bath was not ideal for anyone.

Zachary watched her retreat into the bathroom, his gaze filled with love and admiration. He sighed and settled onto the sofa, his phone buzzing incessantly beside him.

It was Tatum—again.

The screen displayed over a dozen apology messages. Zachary rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile at his younger brother’s persistence. Finally, he decided to send a voice message:

“No need to keep apologizing. I’m not mad anymore. But let me warn you—don’t let this happen again. If it does, I won’t let it slide so easily next time.”

Tatum’s response came almost immediately, a hurried promise that he’d never mess up again.

Zachary smirked, envisioning his brother sweating nervously on the other end. It wasn’t hard to guess that Tatum had come to realize the seriousness of his mistake after some reflection. And knowing his brother, Tatum likely assumed it was Serenity who had calmed Zachary down.

Smart move.

Zachary contemplated how he would make it up to Serenity when he returned by preparing a feast for her.

As the bathroom door creaked open, Serenity stepped out, her loose pajamas comfortably draping over her growing belly.

Zachary was already waiting for her by the door.

She looked at him with a mix of amusement and curiosity. “Why are you standing here?” she asked softly.

He stepped closer, gently adjusting her pajamas and brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. “You were in there for a while,” he said. “I started to worry. If you hadn’t come out soon, I was ready to barge in and check on you.”

Serenity smiled at his concern. “The bath was so relaxing that I didn’t want to leave. But I’m fine. You should go take your bath now—I’m heading to bed. It’s a little chilly out here.”

Before she could shiver, Zachary grabbed her coat from a nearby chair and draped it over her shoulders.

“Here,” he said warmly. “Don’t catch a cold.”

Serenity tightened the coat around her, her heart swelling as she looked up at him. “Thank you, Zachary.”

He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her temple. “Always, Seren.”

With that, Serenity made her way to bed, leaving Zachary to take care of himself and perhaps send Tatum a text for good measure.