Stephanie's POV
I didn't sleep. Not really.
Cane's arm was heavy across my waist, his breath warm against my neck, and for a few hours I let myself pretend everything was okay. But the second the sky outside turned grey, the pretending stopped. My chest felt tight, like someone had parked a truck on it. I kept seeing Tabitha's face in my head. I kept hearing Cane lie to me, smooth as anything, while he worked with the one person who wanted me in a grave. No amount of fairy lights or perfect dresses could erase that.
I slipped out of bed before he woke up. Took a shower so hot it hurt. Stood under the water until my skin went red and my fingers pruned. I thought maybe the heat would wash the night away. It didn't.
By the time I came out, the kids were already back. Armstrong must have dropped them early. I heard Josh laughing downstairs, probably chasing the dog Cane got him last month. My stomach twisted.
I had to do this now. Before I lost my nerve again.
