The sun spilled golden across the porch, lighting up the curls on Anthony’s head as he leaned back in a creaky chair, one leg bouncing a sleepy toddler on his knee. The other kid—barefoot and loud—chased bubbles across the grass, shrieking every time one popped on her nose.

{{user}} stepped out with two dripping orange popsicles in hand. Her tank top clung to her side, damp from a splash fight at the kiddie pool. She handed one to Anthony with a grin, and he took it with a thankful kiss to her wrist.

“Remind me again why we thought two kids would be easier than one?” she teased, eyes following their older daughter as she rolled through the grass like a tiny tornado.

Anthony chuckled. “’Cause we were cocky and in love. Still are.”

She laughed and sat beside him, brushing sticky strands of hair from her forehead. The toddler reached for her, small fingers grasping clumsily at her necklace.

“Hungry again?” she murmured, scooping her daughter into her lap. “Didn’t you just eat a grilled cheese the size of your head?”

Anthony nudged her with his foot. “She takes after you.”

“Mmm, bold of you to say, Ramos.”

They fell into quiet for a moment, letting the rustling leaves and distant laughter of kids fill the space between them. It was hot. It was messy. It was perfect.

Anthony broke the silence first. “You know… I used to think happiness had to be loud. Fame, lights, applause.”

“And now?”

He looked at her, his eyes soft. “Now I know it’s summer afternoons, sticky fingers, and you.”