Emily raised an eyebrow.
“You mean financially?”
“Yes. But not just that.”
“What else?”
Ryan looked nervous.
“I want to learn how to be her father.”
Emily studied him.
“You think it’s that simple?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Ryan adjusted Lily again.
“But I’m willing to start wherever you allow me.”
Emily considered his words carefully.
Six months ago she had begged him not to leave.
Now he was asking for permission to stay.
Life had a cruel sense of irony.
Finally she said quietly:
“You can start by changing her first diaper.”
Ryan blinked.
“What?”
Diane burst out laughing.
“Oh I like her plan.”
Ryan looked down at Lily.
Then back at Emily.
“You’re serious.”
“Very.”
Ryan took a deep breath.
“Okay.”
The nurse returned just then, carrying a small bag of supplies.
“Perfect timing,” Emily said.
Ryan looked like a man preparing for battle.
“How hard can it be?” he muttered.
Ten minutes later, he knew exactly how hard it could be.
“Oh my—did that just—”
“Yes,” Emily said calmly.
Ryan recoiled.
“She just peed on me.”
Diane laughed so hard she had to sit down.
Ryan stared at his soaked shirt.
Lily kicked her tiny legs happily.
Emily couldn’t help it.
For the first time in months—
She laughed.
A real laugh.
And Ryan looked up, surprised by the sound.
For a brief moment, something familiar passed between them.
Not romance.
Not yet.
But something gentler.
Shared history.
Ryan finished the diaper change with shaky determination.
When he was done, he looked oddly proud.
“I survived.”
“Barely,” Emily said.
Ryan handed Lily back carefully.
The baby settled against Emily’s chest instantly.
Ryan watched the moment with quiet awe.
Then his phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen.
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