The house was finally quiet.
After the laughter, the music, the congratulations, and the endless pictures, Ella’s living room looked like a battlefield of celebration — empty plates, ribbons on the floor, half-deflated balloons spelling ELORA, and the faint scent of perfume mixed with jollof rice.
Ella stood by the window, carrying baby Elora carefully in her arms.
The white gown had been changed into a soft pink onesie. Elora was asleep, her tiny chest rising and falling gently.
Daniel walked up behind Ella and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“You did so well today,” he whispered.
Ella smiled softly. “We did well.”
Daniel kissed her forehead. “Mrs. Soon-to-be Daniels.”
She laughed quietly. “You’re already changing my name?”
“It sounds good on you.”
For a moment, everything fe
