ETHAN'S POV
That afternoon, back at home, we didn't say much. We lay together on the living room couch, both of us staring up at the ceiling as if trying to anchor ourselves in this strange, beautiful new world.
Then Ava said, "I want to write a letter."
"A letter?"
"To our child. To remember today. This feeling."
I smiled. "Then we'll do it. Together."
She reached for her journal, and I watched her write.
Dear little heartbeat,
You don't know us yet, but we already love you. Fiercely. Fully. We're not perfect, your dad and I, but we promise to protect you. To be real.
To show you that love doesn't have to be easy to be strong. Today, we heard you for the first time. A tiny flicker, and everything changed. We can't wait to meet you.
When she finished, she passed me the pen. I added my line beneath hers.
And I'll spend my life making sure you never forget how much you were wanted.
Ava leaned into my side, closing the journal.
