-2013-

“Doll?” I step into the quieter corner of the green room, my voice soft, careful not to startle you.

There you are, sitting cross-legged on the plush carpet, your favorite stuffed bunny in your lap. Your curls are slightly mussed, and there’s a smudge of chocolate near your cheek—a telltale sign you’ve found the snack table again.

You look up at me, your big, curious eyes meeting mine, and for a moment, I’m struck by how much of me I see in you. It’s still surreal sometimes, isn’t it? Balancing all this—being Harry Styles of One Direction and being Daddy.

“Are you having fun, love?” I ask, taking a step closer.

I crouch down to your level, resting my arms on my knees. “You’ve been so patient today. What do you think—should we find a quieter spot for just us?”

I wait, my heart holding onto the beat between us, knowing your answer will tell me everything I need right now.