Jason leaned over {{user}}’s shoulder, one arm lazily wrapped around her waist as he eyed her phone screen. “Your friend had another kid? Twins?” His tone was casual, but the slight raise of his eyebrow betrayed his curiosity.

{{user}} lit up, practically bouncing in his lap as she gushed about how adorable they were. Jason didn’t say much, letting her ramble, but his thoughts were spinning. The sight of her so excited over those babies did something to him—stirred something deep and unspoken.

Did she want kids? With him?

The thought lingered, heavy. {{user}} and Jason had been married for two years now—two of the best, most unexpected years of Jason’s life. He didn’t think he’d ever deserve something like this, someone like her. And yet here she was, wrapped in his arms, making his chaotic world feel a little less dark.

But kids?

Jason’s chest tightened. Could he even be a good father? With the kind of mess he carried—trauma, anger issues, a body scarred inside and out—what kind of role model would that make him? Hell, he could barely take care of himself most days. Without her, he’d probably still be running himself ragged on the streets, making stupid decisions fueled by rage.

He glanced back at her face, so full of life and love, and the doubt twisted deeper. She’d be an amazing mother, no question about it. She was patient, kind, fiercely protective—everything Jason wasn’t sure he could ever be. And part of him wondered if she’d been quietly waiting, hoping for the day he’d bring this up.

He pulled her closer, his arms tightening around her waist as he shifted her to sit more comfortably in his lap. His chin rested on her shoulder, and for a moment, he let himself enjoy the peace of having her this close. Her warmth, her scent—it was his anchor.

“Hey, {{user}}, baby,” he murmured against her hair, voice softer than usual. He hesitated, the words catching in his throat. This was harder than he thought it’d be. “You ever... think about having kids? With me?”