Zoey poked Harriet's nose again, making her groan and furrow her brows. Zoey chuckled softly as she pressed Harriet's nose playfully. Harriet sighed, slowly opening her eyes to find Zoey's hands in hers.
"Come on, sweetheart," Harriet mumbled, her voice thick with sleep. "Just a few more minutes, please?" She wrapped an arm around Zoey's waist, pulling her closer and tugging the thick blanket over both of them.
Zoey laughed. "It's already six in the morning, Harriet," she whispered, though she snuggled into Harriet's chest, not quite ready to leave the warmth.
"It's just six, it's freezing, and it's our day off," Harriet mumbled, pressing a kiss to the top of Zoey's head, her eyes still closed. "Just let me savor this a little while longer," she murmured, her hand stroking Zoey's hair lazily.
"You're full of excuses," Zoey teased, giving Harriet's waist a gentle pinch, laughing softly.
With a playful click of her tongue, Harriet shifted, pinning Zoey beneath her. "On second thought, morning sex sounds perfect on a winter day like this," she said, grinning sleepily, her hair tousled from bed. Zoey blinked, taken off guard by Harriet's sudden move.
"Haven't we done enough last night?" Zoey mumbled, her cheeks flushing as she tried to pull the blanket back up.
Harriet chuckled, leaning in. "Sweetheart, that was last nightâthis is a whole new day," she replied, her grin turning mischievous.
Zoey laughed, cupping Harriet's face. "Look at you, talking about romance while still half-asleep," she said, shaking her head affectionately.
Harriet scoffed, running her fingers through her hair with a playful smile. "Oh, I'm wide awake, sweetheart," she whispered, leaning her hands on either side of Zoey. She leaned down, inhaling the soft, familiar scent at Zoey's neck.
Zoey stiffened, her cheeks flushing. "Harriet, it's six in the morning," she mumbled, sounding both flustered and amused.
"That's exactly the purpose of making love in the morning, sweetheart," Harriet murmured, her breath brushing warmly against Zoey's skin.
Zoey tried to protest. "But we haven't even brushed our teeth, andâ"
Harriet chuckled, interrupting her with a grin. "As if I haven't tasted you before. What's the big deal?" She planted soft kisses along Zoey's neck, feeling Zoey's nervous swallow beneath her lips.
Zoey bit her lip, trying to keep her composure as her pulse quickened. They were still tangled in the remnants of last night, their bare skin against each other. Harriet's knee pressed gently between Zoey's thighs, sending a wave of warmth that made her breath hitch.
Zoey met Harriet's hazel eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "Why do I feel like you get a sudden burst of energy whenever this topic comes up?" she teased, laughing softly.
"Maybe you're my personal energizer," Harriet replied with a smirk, playfully nipping Zoey's neck. Zoey squeaked, tapping Harriet's back lightly. "A bit sensitive, are we?" Harriet chuckled, trailing kisses to Zoey's shoulder, clearly enjoying her reactions.
Zoey's breath caught, her voice soft and breathless. "Maybe because you keep pressing your knee right there," she whispered, feeling the gentle pressure heighten her senses.
Harriet paused, gazing into her eyes. "So... are we good for a little early morning love scene, or should I let you off the hook?" she asked, her tone teasing but her eyes genuinely seeking Zoey's answer.
Zoey rolled her eyes playfully, cupping Harriet's cheeks. "You know, Doctor Harriet Pierce, if you can't handle leaving things unfinished, maybe don't start them in the first place," she teased before pulling Harriet into a deep kiss, her laughter mingling with their closeness.
Zoey threw her head back, laughing as Harriet led her in an exaggerated waltz, adding silly moves that made Zoey's shoulders shake with laughter. Still chuckling, Zoey cupped Harriet's cheeks, her face flushed and eyes shining.
"Oh God, stop it! I can't breathe!" Zoey gasped, unable to contain her laughter. Harriet laughed with her, finally pausing the dance to gaze at her warmly.
"I love seeing you laugh like this," Harriet said, her voice soft. "You have no idea how much it puts my heart at ease."
"Cheeky!" Zoey teased, giving her a quick kiss. "But I am always happy with you. You make me feel freeâalthough, I won't lie, you're still a handful sometimes," she added with a grin.
Harriet rolled her eyes playfully and pulled her closer. "Call me a handful all you want, as long as it makes you happy and I get to see this smile every day," she murmured, caressing Zoey's cheek.
Zoey poked Harriet's nose, resting her hands on Harriet's shoulders as she looked up. "Actually, I've been meaning to ask... Since Riley mentioned she and Sienna are planning for IVF, I got curious. Do you... ever think about having kids?"
Harriet raised an eyebrow, smiling. "You mean our kids?" she corrected with a chuckle. "But let me turn the question back to you. Do you want one?"
Zoey's smile softened, her gaze drifting. "I'd love a child... but I think I'd rather adopt than go through a pregnancy. I mean, I already have a history of heart disease. I wouldn't want to pass that along or risk my health. I sound a little selfish, right?" She looked away, a little self-conscious. "But if you want to have a biological child..."
Harriet's expression softened. "Adoption sounds perfect," she said, reaching for Zoey's hand. "We don't need to go through all those procedures if it's not what you want. I'm just as happy with adoption if it makes you feel comfortable."
Zoey looked at her, relief and affection in her eyes. "You're sure you're not just saying that?"
Harriet chuckled. "I've never felt a huge need for a biological child. Besides, being a doctor, I know that love and care are what make a familyânot biology. And I wouldn't want you to go through anything risky."
Zoey laughed, lightening up. "Well, you could be the one to bear a child for us, you know."
Harriet's eyes widened, and she shook her head with a laugh. "Oh, no, sweetheart, that's definitely not an option. I think adoption sounds like the perfect plan for us."
Zoey chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, let's just give a child who's already here the love and family they need. No need to add to the population when there are kids waiting for a home."
Harriet wrapped her arms around her, kissing her forehead gently. "As long as we're together, that's what matters. I love you, Zoey."
Zoey grinned, pinching Harriet's cheek. "And I love you even more."