Chapter 149

The time jump wasn’t dramatic.

It slipped in quietly—like most meaningful changes did.

Six months later, the house no longer echoed with baby babble.

It carried words.

Opinions.

Negotiations.

The baby had turned two and developed a stubborn streak that rivaled her older sibling’s creativity. Their once-tiny infant now ran down hallways with fearless speed, giggling recklessly as Daniel pretended to chase.

The older one had started kindergarten.

That shift hit harder ...