Paityn remained silent. She was unsure of how to respond.

Jamie's gaze was intense and searching. However, he lowered his eyes to look at the little one nestled in his arms after a moment. Carol was sound asleep and her face was peaceful. At that moment, his expression softened with fatherly affection.

However, the warmth vanished when he looked up again. It was replaced by his usual composed detachment and a quiet sense of pride and restraint.

Paityn couldn't help but think back to when she