Chapter 740

"They're having a New Year's Eve celebration in the shopping district tonight," Alexander murmured as he adjusted Baby Chloe's scarf, his fingers lingering on the soft fabric. "Balloon release at midnight, plus a raffle."

Evelyn tucked a windblown strand of hair behind her ear. "I've never even won a 'buy one get one free' soda in my life."

The baby suddenly reached out with tiny hands, babbling excitedly at the distant twinkle lights. Neon hues painted her round cheeks pink, her wide eyes brimming with wonder.

"Seems like someone wants to go," Alexander chuckled. "They say beginners' luck favors children."

Evelyn leaned down to secure the car seat straps. "We leave immediately if it gets too crowded."

Caring for this child had upended their routines. Yet every time those dimpled cheeks curved into a smile, exhaustion melted into tenderness. With Bianca's return imminent, this fleeting kinship approached its expiration date.

"Once Miss Langley comes back..." Alexander hesitated, then steadied his voice. "I want to be Chloe's godfather."

Evelyn's fingers twisted unconsciously. She remembered her firm refusal months ago—words that now lodged in her throat.

"Then..." His Adam's apple bobbed. "The godmother position..."

"Thirty is too old to be an aunt." She turned away, earlobes burning.

Amusement crinkled the corners of his eyes. "Would that make us different generations? Should you start calling me—"

"Did Vincent show you those ridiculous romance novels again?" she huffed.

"His reputation in your eyes is beyond salvage."

A young man with a camera slung across his chest approached. "Excuse me, may I take your photo? Just for my portfolio and a newspaper feature."

Alexander instantly shielded Evelyn. "Sorry, we'd rather not."

"What a shame." The photographer sighed. "You radiate such happiness—perfect for our 'Home' theme."

Evelyn froze. That single syllable—home—pricked like a needle against her heart. The word had felt incomplete since her father left.

"No faces needed," the man pressed earnestly. "Your silhouettes together tell the whole story. I'll mail you prints."

Silent consent passed between them. Rounding the corner, Evelyn glanced back to see the photographer reviewing his shots, lips curved in satisfaction.

As midnight neared, Alexander cradled the stroller with one arm and grasped Evelyn's hand with the other, carving out space in the jubilant crowd.

"Know why I agreed to the photo?" he asked.

She met his gaze, twin constellations reflected in his eyes. "Because of home."

The countdown began. A young man hoisted his girlfriend overhead, drawing cheers. Evelyn shook her head. "Kids these da—"

Her words dissolved into a gasp as strong hands lifted her and the baby skyward. She instinctively tightened her hold on the giggling child.

"Trust me," he mouthed through the noise, arms steady as bedrock.

Above them, the first firework split the night in a shower of gold.