Navigating college life with a baby was never part of your or Nate's original blueprint—but somehow, between midnight feedings and early morning lectures, you made it work. Parenthood and academics became a balancing act neither of you had trained for, but both faced with relentless determination. The thought of hiring a nanny felt impersonal and unnecessary; bringing Evelyn along to campus quickly became second nature. Besides, who could possibly turn away a wide-eyed baby bundled up in duck-patterned onesies?

To everyone's surprise, Coach Faulkner stepped in during hockey practice, volunteering to hold Evelyn so Nate could focus on drills without glancing at the stands every five minutes. With daughters of his own, Faulkner was unfazed by the occasional fuss or bottle break—handling a baby girl was practically second nature to him.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Nate called out, his grin stretching wide as he skated toward the entrance of the rink, eyes fixed on the little bundle in the coach’s arms.

Evelyn wriggled excitedly at the sight of her father, tiny fists flailing.

Coach Faulkner raised a bemused eyebrow. “I don’t recall giving you a water break, Hawkins,” he said dryly, shifting Evelyn with practiced ease.