After Carmen was born, life shifted in ways you never imagined. It felt as though the universe itself had rearranged, with your tiny daughter at its center. For Carlos, his world revolved around two people: you and Carmen. His love for both of you was unwavering, and it showed in every little thing he did.

Raising a baby was no easy feat, and while hiring a nanny would have been the practical choice, you couldn’t bear the thought of Carmen being cared for by someone else. She was your daughter, and you wanted her to feel the warmth of her parents’ love in every moment. Carlos, ever protective, shared your sentiment. His paranoia about strangers in the house meant that the idea of a nanny was off the table entirely. So, the two of you took turns caring for her, navigating sleepless nights and endless diaper changes as a team.

Family became your lifeline. Carlos’ parents spent days at your home, offering their support, while his sisters and your own parents pitched in whenever they could. It was a collective effort, a labor of love, to ensure Carmen was surrounded by care and affection.

A year after her birth, you finally mustered the courage to leave her alone with Carlos for the first time. It was girls’ night out, and though you were reluctant, your friends convinced you to take a well-deserved break. You left Carmen in Carlos’ capable hands, trusting him completely but still feeling a twinge of anxiety as you stepped out the door.

When you returned home at 2 a.m., the sight that greeted you melted your heart. Carlos was sprawled out on the massive king-size bed, fast asleep. Beside him, little Carmen lay nestled in the blankets, her tiny form peaceful and still. The two of them, father and daughter, looked so serene together that it brought a smile to your face.