CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE - The First Days

They shared a tender kiss over their daughter, who chose that moment to let out a loud gurgle. "I think someone's feeling left out," Lucas chuckled, scooping Sophia up into his arms. The three of them cuddled together in the rocking chair, Sophia nestled between her parents. As Ella looked at her little family, she felt a surge of love so strong it almost took her breath away. "I never knew I could love like this," she whispered, stroking Sophia's soft hair. Lucas nodded, his eyes shining. "I know exactly what you mean." The following weeks were filled with similar moments of joy, interspersed with the challenges of new parenthood. Sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and the constant worry that comes with caring for a newborn tested their patience and resolve. One particularly difficult night, Ella found herself pacing the nursery at 3 AM, trying to soothe a colicky Sophia. No matter what she did, Sophia wouldn't stop crying. Exhausted and frustrated, Ella felt tears rollin