CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY NINE – A LOT TO LEARN

One quiet evening, as they sat on the couch flipping through a book of baby names, Karina looked up at Miguel, really looked at him. She saw the man who had stepped up, who had faced his fears and was working hard to become the partner and father she needed him to be. "Miguel," she said softly, causing him to look up from the book. "I just... I want you to know that I see how hard you're trying. And I appreciate it. More than I can say." Miguel's eyes softened, and he reached out to cup her cheek. "I love you, Karina. You and this baby... you're everything to me now. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I promise you, I'm not going anywhere." As they sat there, foreheads touching, both felt a sense of peace settle over them. They still had a long way to go, and the real challenge of parenthood was yet to come. But in that moment, they knew that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together. The nursery was finally complete, a perfect blend of both their tastes. The subtle star