With the baby there, she couldn't be stubborn. She gestured to the crib. "Don't you want to meet her?"

Leonel gave a nod.

Approaching the crib, he studied the sleeping baby. She looked so delicate, breathing softly.

"She is adorable," he remarked.

His gaze shifted to Alexis. "She looks a lot like you as a child."

Alexis just smiled, offering no reply. Leonel felt a pang of disappointment.

Then, Cordelia started bawling.

Her face flushed, legs kicking furiously.

Leonel scooped her up, checking her diaper with one hand. It was dry.

Glancing at Alexis, he suggested, “She's hungry, maybe?"

His remark hung in the air, awkward. They'd been divorced a while and baby talk was touchy.

Three days post-birth, Alexis began breastfeeding the baby.

At Leonel's words, Alexis murmured, “Bring her over."

Leonel's heart raced as he handed the crying baby over. Their hands brushed and this was a rare touch after so long.

He hadn't felt her touch in ages. Even through fabric, it stirred something within him. "Alexis," he whispered.

She cradled the baby tenderly.

Pausing, she said softly, “You can head back. I've said what I needed to."

They stood close, their baby nestled between them. Leonel draped an arm over her shoulder, leaning in. “Alexis, please. Give us another shot. I won't..."

His words trailed off.

Alexis had stiffened under his touch, resisting his closeness.