CHAPTER FORTY ONE – A NEW ROLE

The following hour was a blur of activity. Donald, fueled by cake and birthday cheer, crawled around the blanket, giggling as he chased butterflies and investigated blades of grass. Kyle entertained him with silly songs and playful peek-a-boo games. Ethan watched them, a flicker of warmth softening his features. He reached for Madison's hand, his fingers brushing lightly against hers. "He's happy," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. Madison followed his gaze. Donald, now sporting a grass stain on his cheek and a mischievous glint in his eyes, was engrossed in a game of tug-of-war with the teddy bear. A genuine smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "He is," she agreed, her voice thick with emotion. "And so am I… for now." The simple admission hung in the air, a fragile bridge between them. Ethan squeezed her hand gently, his silent promise clear. They would keep working on their "for now," one step, one conversation at a time. As the afternoon sun began its descent, casti