“She’s outside with Percy.She went when it was still dark.”
I nod.“Go back to sleep.”
He doesn’t argue.Just watches me for a second longer, too perceptive for a four-year-old, before closing his eyes again.
I head for the front door, pulling it open and stepping out onto the porch, and there she is, standing at the edge of the yard with a mug in her hand, wrapped in one of my hoodies, staring out at the stretch of land we built our life on.
The sun is rising over the trees, painting everything in soft gold, but I barely notice it.The tension that’s been coiled in my chest since I woke up loosens instantly.
I step up behind her, sliding my arm around her waist and pulling her against me.She leans into me like she’s been waiting for it.
“Couldn’t sleep without me?”she teases softly.
I press my mouth to the side of her neck.“You weren’t in bed.”
That’s all the explanation she gets.It’s all she needs.
She hums, tilting her head slightly to give me better access, and I breathe her in, coffee and vanilla and my Angel.
Five years, and I still can’t get enough.
“Sorry,” she murmurs.“Didn’t mean to wake you.”
“You didn’t,” I lie.
She smiles like she knows I’m full of shit, turning in my arms so she’s facing me.
“What are you doing out here?”I ask, nuzzling into her neck.
“Just enjoying the peace and quiet.”
I smile, wrapping my arms around her tighter.That’s exactly why we decided to buy this cabin.It was far enough from town for us to have some peace and privacy.Plus, you can’t beat the view of the mountains and valley below.
This house isn’t the only change that’s happened in the last five years.We’ve also expanded the clinic.Now it’s a veterinary clinic and a rescue.That was Pearl’s idea, and she’s taken over that half of the business.She’s amazing at it, bringing in stray animals and finding them the perfect forever home.
The back door slams open a few minutes later.
“Mom!”Lila cries as she comes barreling out of the house like a hurricane, barefoot, hair wild, holding something small and wriggling in her hands.
Ethan follows at a much more reasonable pace, his arms crossed like he’s already preparing to disagree with whatever is about to happen.
“Morning, my loves,” Pearl says, smiling as she wraps our kids in a hug.
“Are you going to work?”Lila asks.
Pearl nods.“Soon.Are you going to get ready for camp now?”
Lila nods.“We’re doing art today!”
“Can’t wait to see what you guys create,” I say as I usher them inside and help them get ready.
Pearl is getting dressed when I come into our room.I kiss her, trying to convince her to stay with me longer when we hear the kids calling from downstairs.
“See you soon,” she says.
I watch her go, then hurry into the shower.After dressing, I head downstairs, where Pearl has the kids ready to go.She passes me a breakfast burrito, and I take her hand as we walk out to the car.
I drive us into town, and we drop the kids off at their summer camp, then head down the block to the clinic.
