His voice broke.
"We did."
For the first several weeks, he seemed determined to become the most devoted father Atlanta had ever seen.
He changed diapers.
Prepared bottles when needed.
Learned how to calm Sophie during difficult nights.
And spent hours walking around the nursery with his daughter sleeping against his chest.
Mara watched him with overwhelming tenderness.
They were exhausted.
Sometimes irritable.
Often unsure of what they were doing.
But they loved their child fiercely.
For a while, even Evelyn seemed softened by the new arrival.
She visited often, bringing expensive clothes, elaborate gifts, and photographers who specialized in newborn portraits.
She called Sophie her little princess.
She praised Daniel's devotion.
And she spoke proudly about the family's newest generation.
But beneath the affection, old habits returned.
Evelyn began making decisions without consulting Mara.
She scheduled a christening celebration before Daniel and Mara had chosen whether they wanted one.
She hired a nanny Mara had not requested.
She arranged for a nutrition consultant to visit the house without warning.
Then she criticized Mara for returning to work several months after Sophie's birth.
"She's still so little."
Mara looked toward the baby sleeping nearby.
"I know."
"Children need their mothers."
"They also need mothers who are allowed to be themselves."
Evelyn's expression hardened.
"You're making this about your career."
Mara took a breath.
"I'm making it about decisions Daniel and I have already discussed."
The older woman smiled coldly.
"My son has always been generous to people he loves."
Mara stared.
The implication was unmistakable.
That Mara's career was unnecessary.
That Daniel provided everything.
That gratitude should make disagreement impossible.
Mara lowered her voice.
"Evelyn, I love your son. I'm not taking advantage of him."
The older woman looked toward Sophie.
"I certainly hope not."
Then she left.
That evening, Mara told Daniel what happened.
He listened.
Then sighed.
"She shouldn't have said that."
Mara felt relieved.
"Thank you."
"I'll talk to her."
But several days passed.
Then a week.
The conversation never happened.
When Mara asked again, Daniel seemed exhausted.
"She's not going to change overnight."
Mara stared.
"I'm not asking her to change overnight. I'm asking you to tell her to respect me."
He rubbed his forehead.
"I don't want Sophie growing up around constant conflict."
"Neither do I."