Six months later

I woke to the sound of Elena babbling in her crib, that sweet morning chatter that had become my favorite alarm clock. Soft sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting everything in shades of gold.

Rhett was already awake beside me, propped up on one elbow, watching me with that soft expression that still made my heart skip.

"Good morning, Mrs. Carter," he murmured, leaning down to kiss me.

"Good morning," I whispered back, smiling against his lips.

Elena's babbling grew ...