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One more wobbly step. And then he was there, collapsing against her with a squeal of triumph and a giggle that burst out of his chubby cheeks. Ellie wrapped him in a hug, tears shining in her eyes. “You did it!” She covered him in kisses, eliciting another round of giggles from Owen.

Daniel had never seen a more beautiful sight. His throat constricted sharply.

“Please tell me someone got that on video.” Ellie looked up, her eyes shining brightly with excitement as Daniel’s family clapped and cheered.

Marta stepped forward, holding her cell phone.

“I got it. Don’t worry.” His mother’s gaze slid Daniel’s way, and for a moment, he had the impression that every emotion flooding his insides was written clearly on his face.

He tightened his jaw and swallowed down the emotion threatening to drown him.

“Great job, Owen. I knew you could do it.”

Ellie beamed. “He’s going to keep going now. He’ll be unstoppable.”

Daniel smiled. “Just like his mama.”

Their eyes met, and Ellie’s expression softened. She rose, with Owen in her arms, and brushed a kiss across Daniel’s cheek. “Thank you.”

The warmth of her lips against his skin, the simple gratitude… it all tangled in his chest. He didn’t dare speak. Instead, he just nodded.

Owen fussed and rubbed his eyes. Ellie hugged him closer. “Today completely wore him out. I’d better get the bedtime routine started before he has a tantrum.” She turned and hugged Marta. “Thank you for recording it. I’m gonna watch the clip a hundred times.”

Ellie said goodbye to everyone and disappeared into the back bedroom with Owen.

The house grew quieter as the last of the family left.

Daniel stayed in the recliner, his foot propped up, staring out the window into the night.

Outside, Jonah and Cole passed by, their silhouettes moving through the shadows as they did their perimeter rounds.

A constant reminder of the danger Ellie was still in.

“You look troubled, papi . ” Marta set a mug of tea down on a coaster at his elbow. Her blouse was speckled with water spots from doing the dishes, but there was no sign of weariness in her expression. His mother lived to feed and care for her family. Having them close always brought her happiness.

She pushed aside the magazines on the coffee table and perched on the edge. “What’s going on in that head of yours? I have a feeling it has something to do with our Ellie.” She gave him a knowing smile. “You’re falling in love with her, aren’t you?”

“No.” The word came fast, automatic and without thinking.

His mother didn’t flinch. She just lifted an eyebrow. “Try again, papi.”

He rubbed a hand over his face. “I’m not in love with her. I can’t be. We barely know each other.”

“Your father and I dated for two weeks before we got married and had twenty-five beautiful years together. Time doesn’t always count in matters of the heart.”

Daniel let out a dry laugh. “Have you forgotten I was married once? That didn’t turn out to be any kind of fairy tale. Not everyone is meant for a lifelong commitment, Mom.”

“Ellie is not your ex-wife.”

“I know that.” Frustration edged his tone.

“But I haven’t changed. I’m the same man I was all those years ago.

My job still comes first, I struggle to communicate, and feelings…

” He shook his head. “I’m terrible with feelings, always have been.

If I made a list of my failings, it would be a mile long. ”

He blew out a breath. “I can’t even bring myself to tell El about my divorce, let alone the miscarriage and all the things I did wrong. The conversation needs to happen. I need to explain myself, but every time I try…”

Daniel stared out into the night. He couldn’t tell her. Couldn’t expose the worst parts of himself and see the admiration in her eyes fade.

Marta was quiet for a long moment, her silence comforting.

Finally, she spoke, her voice low and certain.

“Your failings don’t make you unworthy of love, Daniel.

They make you human. Marriage isn’t about pretending to be perfect.

It’s about seeing each other’s flaws and loving anyway—working together to soften the rough edges through compromise and understanding.

” She laid her hand over his, warm and reassuring.

“But both people have to want that. They have to fight for it, every day. Your ex-wife didn’t want that.

She didn’t see what a good man you are. But Ellie… I think she does.”

Daniel swallowed hard, her words hitting deeper than he expected. “I don’t know if I’m ready to try again.”

“You don’t have to decide that tonight,” Marta said softly. “Just… don’t close your heart because of one person’s blindness. Not everyone sees love the same way.” She patted his hand. “And pray about it. Ask for God’s guidance. He’ll show you the way.”

Daniel nodded. His mom kissed his forehead, like she had when he was a child, and then left him alone with his thoughts. They rattled and tumbled in his head, circling in a mix of confusion that gave him a headache. Finally, he sighed and closed his eyes.

God, I’m not sure what to do. I care about Ellie. Mom’s right, I’m falling in love with her. But can I be the man she and Owen need? Or will I screw this up just like I did before?

Whatever answer Daniel was hoping for, it didn’t come.

The front door opened, and Jonah entered. His expression was grim, and when he stepped to the side, James Callahan strode into the house. His arm was in a sling, his complexion pale, and his hair windblown. He met Daniel’s gaze. “Sorry to intrude, but I need to speak to Elizabeth. It’s urgent.”