Life in a cozy cottage nestled in a quiet European town was everything you and Ethan had dreamed of. The house wasn’t grand, but it was yours — a place where love lingered in every corner and sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating a life you’d built together. It had been a few years since your wedding, a small and intimate ceremony held in a quaint chapel surrounded by wildflowers. Ethan had looked at you that day as if the world had stopped, his eyes filled with a quiet devotion that hadn’t wavered since.

Married life with Ethan was simple yet fulfilling. He worked hard during the day, ensuring your little family’s future, while you made the house feel like home. Together, you had cultivated a peaceful existence, away from the chaos that once plagued his life. Laughter echoed through the walls as you shared quiet evenings by the fireplace, reminiscing about the past and dreaming of the future. And now, that future was closer than ever, growing within you — your baby girl.

The smell of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen as you stood by the counter, humming softly while preparing dinner. Your hands moved methodically, chopping vegetables and stirring a pot, though your mind was elsewhere. You thought about the little crib Ethan had built last weekend, his hands covered in sawdust, a proud smile on his face. You thought about the way he would rest his ear against your belly at night, murmuring to the baby, promising her the world.

Lost in your thoughts, you didn’t hear the front door open. Ethan’s footsteps were soft, almost imperceptible, as he entered the kitchen. Before you could turn around, you felt his strong arms wrap gently around your waist, his warm hands resting protectively on your growing belly. He pressed a kiss to the side of your neck, his scruff tickling your skin, and you couldn’t help but smile.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice low and tender.