"Can you grab the wipes? I think she’s about to blow," Ryan said, holding the squirming toddler at arm’s length. The faint smell of baby powder and something less pleasant filled the air.

Tessa laughed, her dark curls bouncing as she rummaged through the diaper bag. She was dressed casually in a fitted tank top and jeans, her toned arms and warm smile making her seem effortlessly at ease. Ryan, tall and slightly scruffy, looked more out of his depth, his shirt already sporting a suspicious stain.

"Got it," Tessa said, tossing the wipes his way. "You know, for someone who claims to be great with kids, you look like you’re about to lose a battle with a two-year-old." Ryan shot her a mock glare, but before he could retort, the baby let out a gurgle that made them both freeze. "Oh no," Tessa whispered, her eyes widening. "That’s not good."