
She glanced down at Sophia, whose cries had softened to whimpers, and then back at the man. Desperation won over caution. “Okay,” she said softly, handing him her daughter with a lingering reluctance.
The man gently took Sophia into his arms, cradling her with a surprisingly practiced ease. He began to hum a soft, soothing tune, his voice deep and resonant. Rachel watched as Sophia’s small body seemed to relax against his chest, her cries fading into quiet coos. Within moments, her daughter’s eyes fluttered closed, her tiny hand clutching the fabric of the man’s suit.
Rachel exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, a mix of relief and gratitude washing over her. “Thank you,” she whispered, wiping away the tears that had escaped her eyes. She looked at the man with a newfound appreciation. “I didn’t even catch your name.”
