The house smelled of something freshly baked and warm coffee, but Zane barely noticed — the day had worn him down. He paused in the entryway.

You were sitting on the floor, surrounded by toys, telling Mia a story. She laughed, her little arms wrapped around your neck.

For the first time that day, a smile tugged at the corner of his lips — unintentional, almost surprised.

“Did you always get along with kids this easily?”

His voice came out low and rough. A little tired.

He hadn’t meant to say it out loud. But something about you knocked him off balance. So he just stood there, watching you longer than he probably should have.