The golden hues of the setting sun spilled across the living room, casting soft light on the coziness that had become their haven. The chaotic moat-building incident had been cleaned up, the kids were finally asleep, or at least pretending to be, and for the first time all day, the house was quiet.
Talia stood by the large window, cradling a warm cup of tea, her eyes distant but calm. The silhouettes of trees outside danced with the wind, and inside, everything felt soft. Peaceful. Warm.
Ethan approached from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist without saying a word. He rested his chin lightly on her shoulder, breathing her in like she was the only thing grounding him to earth.
"You're quiet," she murmured.
"I'm soaking this in," he replied. "You. This. Us."
Talia leaned back against his chest, her heart thudding gently. "It's rare… when everything feels just right."
He kissed the top of her head. "Then let's stay here a while."
