Rafe adjusted the strap of the baby carrier again, his brow furrowed in concentration as JJ wriggled against him. The baby’s tiny fists clutched his shirt, her face pressed close to his chest, completely content. You sat curled up on the couch, watching him as he paced the living room.

Sarah had dropped JJ off in a rush, barely pausing long enough to explain before handing her over. Rafe had taken the baby without hesitation, his quiet confidence catching you off guard. “We’ve got it,” he’d told Sarah, and now here he was, humming a tune under his breath as he rocked his niece.

JJ blinked up at him, her wide eyes growing heavier with each sway. You didn’t say anything, but Rafe caught you staring. “What?” he asked, keeping his voice soft.

You shook your head, smiling faintly. He didn’t need to know how much seeing him like this made your chest ache. He settled onto the couch next to you, moving slowly to avoid waking her. The baby stayed relaxed, her small breaths warm against his chest.

Rafe’s hand rested on JJ’s back, steady and protective. You leaned into him, your head finding its place on his shoulder. He didn’t speak, and neither did you. The house was quiet, save for the faint crash of waves outside and the soft rhythm of the baby’s breathing.

After a while, you shifted, brushing your fingers lightly over JJ’s tiny hand. She stirred for a moment before settling again, her body completely at ease against Rafe’s. You kissed his shoulder, your lips barely grazing the fabric of his shirt.

He let out a soft laugh, his chest vibrating against you. “She likes me,” he said, almost like he didn’t believe it.

You didn’t respond. He was wrong, though. JJ didn’t just like him—she trusted him. Somehow, she already knew what it had taken you a little longer to realize.

When you looked up at him, his head was tilted back against the couch, his eyes closed, and his hand still resting gently on the baby. His expression was unguarded, softer than usual, and for a moment, you just watched him.