The next morning started just like any other. Ann woke up to the smell of fresh coffee. She stretched slowly, her hand resting on her belly. The baby had started kicking more often now, and each time felt like a small miracle. She walked out into the kitchen where Richard stood by the stove, flipping pancakes. He looked up and gave her a nod. “Morning.”
“Morning,” she replied softly, surprised by the pancakes. “You’re cooking?”
He shrugged. “Trying something different.”
Ann smiled. These were the small moments that confused her. Just when she thought she had figured Richard out, cold, distant, all business he did something soft, unexpected.
She sat down and watched him. This was their quiet routine now. No big promises, no emotional talks just small gestures, tiny bridges between their
