The drive home the following day feels surreal. My heart is full, my body exhausted, and yet, an undeniable excitement buzzes beneath the surface as we pull into the parking lot of our apartment. Ryan had insisted on driving slowly, carefully, as though our precious cargo our newborn daughter, Lily could somehow be unsettled by the slightest bump in the road. I’ve never seen him so protective, so attentive to every little detail.
The air outside is crisp and cool, the early signs of autumn hinting at a change of season, and I find it fitting. We’re stepping into a new chapter of our lives, one that feels daunting and exhilarating all at once.
Ryan parks the car in front of our building and glances over at me, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “Ready to bring Lily home?” he asks, his voic
