Jared chuckled lightly, the sound warm and familiar. She raised her head to look at him as his hand moved from her back to rest gently on her belly. His expression transformed—his smile softened, his eyes filled with wonder and tenderness that melted her resolve.
"Do you love our daughter?" he asked, his voice almost a whisper.
Her breath caught as his meaning struck her. She smiled despite herself, understanding the truth in his words. Love didn't always require knowledge—it could transcend logic, especially the love between a parent and child. Yet even as the realization sank in, a flicker of doubt remained.
But then, why don't I feel it? she thought, her heart aching at the question. Have I become that hardened?
"Daughter?" she asked, arching a playful brow as she lightly slapped his shoulder.
"Yes, we're having a daughter," Jared said confidently, walking back toward the stove with a smug smile.
