“It was your dad. Came to see me.” His eyes never left her, as if he were afraid she’d run off the first chance she got. “You never said anything. About your other brother.”

“It never seemed like the right moment.”

Daniel nodded in understanding. He held Aaron out toward Annika. “Want to hold him?”

“Thought you’d hog him the whole time.” She held out her arms.

Daniel handed Aaron to her, and Annika tried desperately to ignore how much she was enjoying Daniel’s proximity. Not to mention that she craved him even more when his hand brushed against hers. He did not step back after handing Aaron to her. If anything, he leaned in closer, as if he was trying to look at Aaron. Maybe he was. “Babies look good on you.” His voice was soft, husky, as if he were telling her a secret.

Aaron cooed and wiggled, and she had to admit he felt good in her arms. She felt Daniel’s gaze but could not look up at him. “What’s all this about, Daniel?”

His finger touched the bottom of her chin, tilting her head up, so she had to look at him. “I’m sorry for hurting you. Leaving you in the hospital that day...when Nilay was hurt.” He shook his head, clearly disgusted with himself. “It was selfish. Inexcusable. I’m surprised you’re even here with me now.”

He swallowed hard, studying her face. She was mesmerized by his every movement, his words.

Aaron wiggled, and Annika shifted to get a better hold of him. He let out an adorable gurgle, and Annika looked at the baby, giggling as he made spit bubbles. She turned back to Daniel, only to find him watching her, a vulnerability in his face she’d never seen before. “You decided all on your own that you weren’t enough for me.”

“You know, it was Aaron’s birth that made me realize I could be helped. But it was you—you’re the reason I wanted to be part of life again.”

Annika’s breath caught, but she didn’t really have time to think as Daniel leaned in toward her, his gaze on her lips, and against everything she knew was wise, she tilted her head up to him, her lips finally meeting his, as if they’d been searching for each other forever. His kiss was soft and gentle, a question rather than a statement, and somehow infused with hope. Her whole body relaxed and gave in to him, asking the same question. Aaron gurgled again, startling her away from Daniel, but he stayed put, his laugh still on her lips. He turned his gaze to Aaron but then met her eyes with something like a promise.