In the weeks that follow, Nathan changes. Slowly. Genuinely. He starts showing up, not just arriving. He messes up dinners, signs the kids up for daycare, and learns to clean up without being asked. Liv watches from the doorway as he burns brownies and laughs when the,
kids spill batter. It’s not perfect. But it’s real. And sometimes, when she wants to remind him of the fire behind her smile, she simply says: “Tuna on toast tonight?” And sips her wine.