A moment later, a ringtone cut through the quiet of the room. The sound came from the table where Thaddeus had left his phone. He reached over, glanced at the glowing screen, and his expression shifted instantly.
Turning sharply toward Kayden, his brows furrowed, his eyes warning, he lifted a finger to his lips. "Quiet," he mouthed firmly, lowering his voice as he whispered, "It's your father."
Kayden leaned back against the pillows, lips curling into a teasing smile. Okay, he mouthed back, almost mischievously. "Pick it up, Thaddeus. Answer Ryland's call."
Thaddeus exhaled through his nose, steadying himself before swiping to connect the call. "Hello, friend," Ryland's familiar voice came through, clear and confident.
"Hello," Thaddeus answered smoothly, settling into his seat as if nothing could shake him.
