You gently laid the baby down into the crib, brushing a soft kiss against the little one’s forehead before pulling the blanket up to their chest. The room was quiet, just the faint sounds of the baby’s tiny breaths filling the air. You lingered there, arms folded loosely, just watching, heart full.

Then you felt it — strong, familiar arms slipping around your waist, pulling you back into a firm chest. You smiled as Joel’s chin settled against your shoulder, his scruff tickling your skin. He said nothing at first, just held you, the two of them silently staring down at the little life they’d created.

After a long moment, Joel’s voice rumbled low in your ear, rough and warm.

“Think i want another one…” he whispered, pressing a kiss just behind your ear. “Tell me you don’t wanna do it again.”

You shivered when his hands moved, slow and deliberate, splaying across your stomach.

“Another one,” Joel muttered, his lips tracing the line of your jaw now. “Maybe two more. Hell… I could fill this whole damn house with ’em if you let me.”