Ethan Junior

Mara's first instinct was to refuse. But after a brief pause, she gave a small nod.

Gently, Ethan placed his hand over her still-flat stomach, his touch warm and cautious. His eyes widened, and a slow grin spread across his face.

"I swear I felt something," he said, his voice filled with wonder.

Mara let out a soft laugh. "That's impossible," she teased. "It's too early for the baby to be kicking."

Ethan shook his head, completely undeterred. "No, I know what I felt." He crouched down slightly, bringing his face closer to her belly.

"Hey there, champ," he murmured. "This is Daddy, and I can't wait to meet you."

Mara's heart clenched at the tenderness in his voice.

Then he added with a smirk, "I think I'll call you Ethan Junior."

Mara rolled her eyes playfully. "And what if it's a girl?"

"Then I'll call her Princess."