You tuck your hair behind your ear and grin at Emily as you sink into the big, comfy couch. The smell of grilled meat drifts in through the open door where Matt fusses over the barbecue. Their home is cozy and cluttered with baby blankets and tiny socks that make you smile.

Emily leans back in her armchair, face alight. “I’m so glad you two finally made it. Ellie’s grown so much since our last call.”

Just hearing the baby’s name makes your heart clench. She’s snuggled against Justin’s chest, one little hand fisted in his shirt, making sleepy baby giggles. He’s pacing by the window, watching her like she’s the center of the universe. You try not to melt too visibly.

You’re 21, married for a year, but you’ve known Justin since you were 17—and you still can’t get over him. Tall, broad-shouldered, messy blonde hair from the drive, those ridiculous dimples flashing every time he looks down at Ellie. He catches your eye over her head and gives you a slow, knowing smile that makes your neck warm.

Emily notices and laughs. “He’s completely gone for her, huh?”

“Don’t even start,” you groan, grinning. “He’s not going to want to give her back.”

She raises an eyebrow. “And you? You look like you’re ready to steal my baby.”

You nudge a throw pillow with your foot. “I mean… she is too cute.”

“Mhm,” Emily teases. “She’s campaigning for a cousin, you know. Look at them.”

You glance at Justin again. He’s rocking gently, humming under his breath. Ellie’s tiny fist rests over his heart as she sighs in sleepy contentment. The sight hits you in the ribs.

He’d be such a good dad.

The thought lands hard enough you almost say it aloud. Watching how carefully he moves, the gentleness in his face—it does something to you. Your fingers twist in your dress hem as the idea roots itself: a baby in your arms, Justin looking at your baby that way. Your heart hammers at the thought.

Emily catches it immediately. She smirks over her glass.

“Oh, don’t even try to hide that look.”

You blink. “What look?”

She snorts. “The I want one look. God, you’re so obvious.”

You start to protest but end up laughing, heat rushing to your face. “Maybe. Shut up.”

“Uh-huh.” Emily tilts her chin at Justin. “You’re both hopeless. Look at him—he’s already measuring cribs in his head.”

Justin hears that, raising an eyebrow at Emily before glancing at you, mouth twitching in that slow, devastating smile.

“You think so?” he asks Emily, but he’s really watching you.

Emily rolls her eyes. “Please. If she told you right now she wanted a baby, you’d probably speed home and start.”

You squeak, covering your face. “Em!”

Justin chuckles low in his chest and carefully hands Ellie back to Emily. He sits beside you, arm slipping around your shoulders, warm and steady.

“She’s got a point,” he says softly once his hands are free. “You really looked like you wanted to snatch her and run.”

You bury your face in his chest, half mortified, half savoring how solid and safe he feels. “She’s just… so cute. It’s dangerous.”

His voice is gentle in your ear. “Yeah. She is.” He presses a kiss to your temple, lingering there. “And you’d be amazing with one. You know that?”

You don’t answer right away. You just breathe him in and let the words sink deep.

Outside, Matt yells that the food’s ready. Emily stands, bouncing Ellie.

“Come on, you two,” she calls, grinning knowingly. “Stop making googly eyes and help me set the table before Matt sets the deck on fire.”

You straighten up, cheeks still hot. Justin gives you one last, quiet look—full of promise—before he stands and offers you his hand.