“Beautiful,” he whispered.

The word was soft, almost carried away by the breeze, but it was there, clear and undeniable. I froze, my heart skipping a beat. Had I imagined it?

“Beautiful,” he repeated, his voice a little louder, more assured.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I rushed to him, scooping him into my arms. He giggled—a sound I had longed to hear—and repeated the word again, as if enjoying the feel of it on his tongue.