The kind of laugh that came from comfort.
From safety.
From being held the right way.
Emily didn’t notice Marcus standing there.
She poured warm water gently over Zion’s tiny body, humming under her breath without thinking.
Marcus froze.
The melody was familiar.
Not because it was common.
But because it wasn’t.
It was the same lullaby his wife used to sing.
Something in his chest tightened, but before it could become anything else, his pride took over.
