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Chapter 6

POV Noah

After we all finished eating our pizza, we retreated to our rooms. Estella was in the bathroom taking a shower while I held our little daughter, Eden, in my arms.

Eden was the pride and joy of both Estella and me. It hadn’t been easy when we found out that we where gone be parents at just eighteen , but like many challenges before, we managed to get through it together.

I studied my daughter, watching as she struggled to fight off sleep. Her tiny hands rubbed her eyes, and her soft, chubby cheeks were beginning to droop. I couldn't help but smile at how peaceful she looked, her eyelids fluttering as she fought to stay awake.

As I cradled Eden, I reflected on the journey we had taken to get here. The late-night feedings, the diaper changes, and the endless worries about being good parents weighed heavily on our shoulders.

Yet, every giggle from our daughter made it all worth it. I thought about how Estella had stepped up, embracing motherhood with strength and grace that amazed me daily.

As I cradled Eden in my arms, I couldn’t help but marvel at her tiny features. She was a delicate little bundle, with soft, fine hair that framed her round face, and the most striking deep blue eyes that seemed to sparkle like gems.
I loved how her cheeks were slightly chubby, making her look even more adorable, especially when she smiled or made little faces as she drifted off to sleep.

Her tiny hands were a wonder to behold, each finger no larger than my pinky.

I watched as she instinctively curled her fingers around my thumb, a gesture that filled me with an indescribable joy.

Every little movement she made her soft sighs, the way she scrunched up her nose when she was thinking, or how her mouth opened slightly as she yawned filled my heart with an overwhelming love.

As I noticed that she had finally drifted off to sleep, I carefully placed her in her small crib.

Just as I settled back into bed, Estella quietly entered the room. She leaned down gently to plant a kiss on Eden's forehead before slipping into bed beside me. I instinctively pulled her closer, so that her head rested comfortably on my chest.

I softly ran my fingers through her long hair, feeling the warmth of her presence against me. The room was enveloped in a peaceful silence, the only sound being the soft rhythm of Eden's breathing. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of my two girls, my heart swelling with love. After a moment, I decided it was time to revisit the conversation we had earlier.

“Honey,” I began, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Do you want to talk about your brothers ?” I asked cautiously.

I knew her brothers were a sensitive subject for her. I had met a few of Estella’s brothers back then and witnessed the pain she endured as they gradually disappeared from her life

“Why did he reach out, Noah? I just don’t understand.”

“I wish I could give you an answer,” I replied, pulling her closer to me. The warmth of her body against mine brought me a sense of comfort. After a few seconds of silence, I continued, “Do you want them to reach out again?”

“No, not really,” she said softly, though I could hear the uncertainty in her voice. “You, Eden, Kennedy, and Austin you're my family now. That’s all I need.”

I paused, searching her eyes for a glimpse of what lay beneath her brave facade.

“I know it’s hard,” I said gently.
“But it’s okay to feel conflicted. You’re allowed to miss them, even if they hurt you. Just remember that you’re not alone. We’re here for you, always.”

She nodded slowly, her gaze drifting to the floor. “Sometimes, I wish things were different. I want to forget the pain, but it lingers.” Her voice trembled slightly, and I could see the weight of her past pressing down on her.

“Let’s take it one day at a time,” I suggested. “You don’t have to carry it all by yourself. If you ever want to talk or just sit in silence, I’ll be right here.”

Estella looked up at me, a flicker of hope in her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice steadier now. “It means a lot to know I have you.”

“Always,” I promised, wrapping my arms around her and holding her tightly. In that moment, I hoped she felt safe, even just for a little while.