Bella listened without interrupting. Her arms remained wrapped protectively around him, and she nodded gently whenever he paused to make sure she was still paying attention.
Leo listened even more carefully. His eyes never left Eli's face and he absorbed every single detail the little boy shared.
When Eli finally finished, Bella hugged him close again, pressing her cheek against his soft hair. She could feel his small heartbeat against her chest, slow and calm now that he had finally shared what had been troubling him.
"You did very well by staying away from him, but you don't have to handle scary things by yourself anymore."
Eli looked up at her, his dark eyes searching her face.
"Because I have Mumma?"
Bella's eyes immediately softened, tears threatening to form behind them.
"Yes."
He smiled, a small, trusting smile that made her heart full.
"And Papa."
Leo reached over and gently touched the top of his head.
"Always."
