Raymond's POV
The house was quiet in the way that only came after long days—after baths, stories, feedings, and tiny socks scattered like breadcrumbs on the floor.
Aurora was asleep in her crib, curled like a comma against the soft pink sheets. Naomi was dozing nearby, her hand still resting on the edge of the crib, as if even in sleep, she couldn’t stop protecting our daughter, typical Naomi.
I stood in the doorway, taking it in, I was really happy seeing my family together and calm.
There were no alarms, No hospital machines. Just the low hum of life settling into place.
And for once, I let myself feel it.
The weight of being a father.
Not the title that came with it, Not biology, but the presence of always being there.
I was still standing there when I heard the front door open
