Oliver squealed, tugging at Axel's leg.
"Daddy, let's play bubble..."
Axel lowers himself, effortlessly lifting his son into his arms.
"You've got bubbles all over your face, Buddy," he teased, brushing a bit of foam from Oliver's cheek.
Oliver laughed again, the sound pure and bright.
Evelyn's eyes softened as she watched them. For a few seconds, everything felt right. Peaceful.
But his phone buzzed again, breaking the calm.
She glanced at it, curiosity flickering across her face. "You're popular today," she joked lightly.
Axel tucked the phone deeper into his pocket. "Nothing important."
"Are you sure?" she asked, tilting her head. "You look like you're about to throw it into the lake..."
He laughs, "Tempting idea."
Evelyn smiled knowingly but didn't press. She had learned not to push him when he looked that way; calm on the surface but storming underneath.
He watched her for a moment, her eyes sparkling as she took Oliver from his arms.
