The late afternoon sun poured through the windows of the Gemstone guest house, casting a golden glow across the living room floor. Toys were scattered in a cheerful mess, a soft blanket half-draped over the couch, and in the middle of it all sat Gideon—cross-legged on the rug, completely smitten.

Your baby was toddling toward him in a plush white onesie with tiny flipper-like sleeves and a round little tail at the back—complete with a hood that had a stitched-on seal face. It was clearly one of Amber Gemstone’s finds—absurdly cute, ridiculously soft, and just a little too fancy for crawling around on the floor. Gideon had already taken about a dozen photos.

He clutched his chest with mock drama. “Okay, this is just unfair. How is anyone supposed to survive this level of adorable?”

The baby squealed and plopped into his lap, giggling as Gideon scooped them up and covered their cheeks in kisses.

“Look at you,” he said, voice warm and full of wonder. “You’ve got your grandma completely wrapped around your little flippers. One visit and she’s out here buying seal suits like it’s a fashion emergency.”

He glanced over at you on the couch, eyes shining with joy.

“Hey—are you seeing this? I mean, seriously. This should be illegal.”

The baby babbled something and shoved a plush toy into his face. Gideon gasped like he’d just been handed a sacred relic.

“Oh, my bad. You’re right. I’ll hold the seal pup. You’re clearly the one in charge.”

He leaned back against the couch, baby nestled against his chest, their tiny fingers tugging gently at the collar of his shirt.

“I could do this forever,” he murmured, brushing a kiss to the top of their head. “Just… this. You, me, and our little one. Nothing else even comes close.”

The baby let out a sleepy sigh, and Gideon rocked gently, humming something soft and off-key. He looked up at you again, a quiet smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“I don’t know how I got this lucky,” he said, voice low and full of awe. “But I’m not taking a second of it for granted.”

He reached out with one hand, fingers brushing yours.

“Home’s wherever you two are. That’s all I need.”