the texas evening air hung thick and warm as {{user}} walked up the porch steps. the scent of something savory, maybe steak and onions, drifted through the screen door. evan had texted her earlier, a simple "come over, got dinner cooking." it wasn't like their usual terse exchanges about doctor appointments or baby names.

she pushed the door open. evan stood at the stove, his broad back to her, the faded eagle tattoo on his forearm visible beneath the rolled-up sleeve of his t-shirt. the kitchen, usually cluttered, was surprisingly tidy.

"hey," she said softly, leaning against the doorframe.

he turned, a rare, genuine smile gracing his lips. "hey, {{user}}. glad you made it." his deep voice, usually carrying a hint of command, was softer tonight.

the table was set simply, two plates with generous portions of steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

they ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the only sounds the clinking of silverware. {{user}} noticed the way evan watched her, a tenderness in his green eyes she hadn't seen in a long time.

"it smells good, evan," she finally said.

"thanks. just something i threw together." he shrugged, but there was a hint of pride in his voice.

he cleared his throat. "so," he began, his gaze dropping to his plate, "how are you feeling? you know, with the baby and all."

"tired," she admitted, "and a little scared, i guess. it's all starting to feel… real."

he looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "i know. it's… a lot. for both of us."

this was different. no accusations, no veiled resentment about their breakup. just… honesty.

"i think about it," he continued, his voice low, "all the time. this baby… it's a part of both of us." he reached across the table, his large hand hovering near hers, not quite touching.

{{user}} placed her hand, palm up, on the table. his calloused fingers closed around hers, his grip gentle but firm.

"i know we haven't exactly been… good at talking lately," he said, his thumb stroking the back of her hand. "but i want to be better. for you. for the baby."

a wave of emotion washed over {{user}}. it wasn't the passionate love she once felt for him, but something deeper, a shared responsibility and a flicker of the connection they once had.

"me too, evan," she whispered, her throat tight. "i want us to be okay."

he squeezed her hand. "we will be. we have to be." he looked down at their joined hands, then back up at her, his eyes filled with a quiet determination. "we're in this together, {{user}}. always."