Chapter 23

On the morning after Hannah’s baby is born, Daniel lounges in bed with Alexis, relishing a rare stretch of time together before guests arrive. He’s ecstatic they are now exclusive, recognizing it isn’t a formal title but a meaningful step that removes the fear of competing for her attention.

As they cuddle and kiss, Daniel admits to himself the insecurities he holds about Alexis’s world—imagining wealthy, older men courting her—and marvels that she chose exclusivity with him. He resolves to ignore chores and responsibilities to be present with her, valuing these moments more than lost time.

Hunter interrupts playfully, and Alexis shares a light fact about dogs’ eyebrow muscles, grounding their intimacy in easy banter. The encounter turns passionate; Daniel focuses on Alexis’s pleasure, telling her he pays attention to how she feels, which shifts her expression and deepens their connection.

Daniel reflects on how proud he was to stand beside Alexis during the delivery and how exceptional he believes she is, noting that few seem to tell her so. Anticipating her departure, he clings to small reminders like her borrowed shirt and acknowledges the ache that sets in whenever she is gone.