It is darker when you walk downstairs. Drew carries Liliana and her stroller carefully down the last few steps while Josephine rests in a chest carrier against you, her wide eyes curious as she takes everything in. The girls are visiting you in Charleston, where Drew is filming a project. Mackayla and her husband are finally getting some time alone for the first time since Josi was born.

Now, with Drew pushing the stroller and Liliana settled inside, you trail behind them through the sea life that you’re visiting, your hand moving absently over Josi’s back in a slow, soothing rhythm.

“Uncle Drew, there!” Liliana shouts a little too loudly, drawing glances from people nearby. Drew doesn’t even notice the stares; he is focused only on his niece, following the direction of her tiny finger. She points excitedly at a fish gliding through the glass, and he immediately steers the stroller toward it.

He crouches down next to her, his own expression full of wonder as he watches the fish right alongside her. You stop beside them, but instead of watching the aquarium, you find yourself watching them.

Drew gently strokes Liliana’s hand as her wide eyes dart between the different creatures. When he spots a stingray, his face lights up. “Lil, look there, a stingray,” he says, his eyes flicking toward her to catch her reaction.

Her face breaks into a grin so wide it nearly covers her whole face. “Woooow!” she whispers in awe, and Drew’s expression softens even more, his happiness tied so closely to hers.

Meanwhile, Josephine has fallen asleep against your chest, her little mouth slightly open as she breathes evenly. The soft blue light from the tanks reflects against Drew’s face, making his features even sharper, almost ethereal.

Every time you see him with his nieces, the same thought crosses your mind. He is so good with kids. He would be an incredible dad.

Liliana suddenly lifts her arms toward him, her wordless request clear. Drew doesn’t hesitate for a second. He picks her up, settling her easily on his hip before pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Better view from up here?” he asks playfully. Liliana grins and nods, though her focus quickly returns to the swimming fish.

After a few quiet moments, Drew glances at you. “What are you thinking about?” he asks, noticing the thoughtful look on your face.

“Nothing,” you answer quickly, but his head tilts and a small smirk tugs at his lips.

“Then why do you have that goofy smile?” he teases, Liliana still clinging happily to his neck.

You shake your head, careful not to disturb Josephine’s sleep. “Just thinking… you’d be a good dad, that’s all.”

Drew’s smirk melts into something softer, warmer. He steps closer, earning a little grunt of protest from Liliana, who doesn’t like losing her clear view of the water. Drew leans down anyway, pressing a kiss to your temple before looking at you and the baby sleeping peacefully against your chest.

His eyes stay on you as he murmurs quietly, like a promise, “That time will come.”