The room quieted as Ethan entered. All four Shepherd brothers straightened. Rafael stood near the mantle, Audrey balanced against his shoulder. Mara rose slowly from the couch, her gaze fixed on the little boy curled against Ethan's chest.
Ethan walked forward and gently passed Andrew to Mara without a word.
She took him in her arms like muscle memory. Like breathing. "Hi, baby," she whispered, brushing her lips against Andrew's forehead. Her fingers traced the curve of his cheek. He stirred slightly but remained sleeping.
Ethan stepped back, his breath catching for just a moment. He stood still, watching her. Watching them. Mara's posture was guarded, but her eyes couldn't hide everything. And the boy… the little boy beside her… It was in the way he looked at her. The way he held onto her hand, like it was the only thing in the world that made sense. Ethan felt it in his bones, It wouldn't be long now.
