You and Georgie had been together since sophomore year. What started as a fast, messy high school romance somehow turned into something steady—something real. Now you were both seniors, and life looked nothing like you’d imagined back then.

Sitting at the Cooper family table didn’t make you nervous anymore. This house had become your home after your parents kicked you out months ago. It was where you stayed up late finishing homework, where you cried when things got overwhelming… and where you brought your daughter home.

Lenora Rose. Just one month old.

Right now, she was bundled up in your arms, fast asleep, her tiny hand curled around your finger. Georgie sat beside you, his chair a little too close like always, one arm draped protectively behind you.

Mary moved around the kitchen, setting food on the table, occasionally glancing over at the baby with a soft, careful smile.

Missy leaned her chin on her hand, staring. “I still can’t believe y’all made a whole human.”

Georgie huffed. “Missy—”

“What? I’m serious! She’s so small.” Missy reached out a finger. “Can I hold her after you eat?”

You smiled a little. “Yeah, just… support her head.”

“Obviously,” Missy muttered, though she was already sitting up straighter.

George walked in, eyeing the table. “Now this looks like a proper meal.” He glanced at you, then the baby, and his voice softened just a bit. “How’s my granddaughter doin’?”