CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY THREE – A SENSE OF CLAM

As they lay in bed that night, Karina curled against Miguel's side, she felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in weeks. There was still a long road ahead of them, challenges to face and obstacles to overcome. But for the first time in a long time, she felt truly confident that they could handle whatever came their way. "Miguel?" she whispered into the darkness. "Hmm?" "I'm glad we're doing this together." She felt Miguel press a kiss to the top of her head. "Me too, love. Me too." As Karina drifted off to sleep, she felt Miguel's hand come to rest protectively on her belly. In that moment, everything felt right in her world. The next morning, Karina woke to the smell of coffee and something delicious baking. She stretched lazily, smiling as she remembered the events of the previous day. It felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She made her way to the kitchen, where she found Miguel at the stove, flipping pancakes. He turned when he heard her enter, a war