Chapter 11: Breaking the Mold
A month before the due date, Mateo invited Lucia to see a small two-bedroom house he had leased near a quiet neighborhood park.
"I didn't buy it, and I didn't get anything flashy," Mateo explained as he unlocked the front door. "It's just a solid, safe home with a yard and a bright nursery."
Lucia walked through the rooms. Sunlight poured through the windows, illuminating polished hardwood floors and soft neutral walls. In the smaller bedroom, a white wooden crib stood neatly assembled against the wall.
"You built the crib yourself?" Lucia asked, noticing a slight smudge of wood stain on his thumb.
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"Followed the manual step-by-step," Mateo laughed softly. "It took five hours, but it's sturdy."
Lucia felt a gentle warmth in her chest. "It's beautiful, Mateo."
