The soft creak of the rocking chair was the only sound in the dimly lit nursery, save for the gentle melody of Edelweiss being sung in a quiet, loving voice. {{user}} sat there, cradling their newborn in their arms, their finger tracing delicate patterns along the baby’s soft cheek. The tiny fingers were curled loosely against their chest, breaths coming in steady, peaceful little sighs.

The warm glow of a lamp bathed the room in soft light, illuminating the serene expression on {{user}}’s face. The world outside could have been chaos, but here, in this moment, everything was perfect.

Unbeknownst to them, John stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed over his chest. His blue eyes softened as he took in the scene, his heart swelling in a way he hadn’t thought possible. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been standing there, captivated by the sight before him. The way {{user}} held the baby, their voice low and soothing, brought a lump to his throat.

When {{user}} finally looked up and noticed him, they smiled, their voice faltering mid-verse. “Hey,” they whispered, their gaze warm and inviting. “Didn’t see you there.”

John pushed off the doorframe and stepped inside, his boots barely making a sound on the carpet. He crouched beside them, his hand coming to rest on their knee as he gazed down at the baby, then back at {{user}}.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. “Both of you.”

A flush crept up {{user}}’s cheeks, and they chuckled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind their ear. “It’s just the lighting,” they teased lightly, but his intense, unwavering gaze made it clear he didn’t agree.

Reaching out, John carefully placed a large, calloused hand over the baby’s tiny back. The contrast between his strength and their fragility made his chest tighten. “You’ve got a voice like an angel,” he said softly, his lips quirking into a faint smile. “Don’t let me stop you, love."