He gently laid her on the bed, careful as if she were something fragile, something precious. He fluffed the pillows behind her, adjusting them one by one, easing her up until she was comfortably supported.
"Better?" he asked softly.
She nodded.
"Good."
He straightened slightly, his voice low but steady.
"No more solo battles. You're down? I'm in. Whatever we are… this changes nothing," he paused, his gaze lingering on her face, "and everything."
She wasn't used to this—being taken care of like this. Not since she had given birth to the babies. She had learned to be strong, independent, to push through exhaustion without complaint. Yet watching him now, so focused, so gentle, made something warm flutter in her chest. Her heart betrayed her for a moment.
She caught herself quickly and looked away, regaining her composure.
