(Ruby's POV)
The morning after the woman and her children left, I woke before the sun.
I lay in bed for a while, listening to the house settle around me. The floorboards creaked. The wind whispered against the windows. Somewhere in the distance, a bird was singing. Nicholas was still asleep beside me, his face peaceful in the dim light. His chest rose and fell slowly. The scars from the fire were pale on his skin.
I got up and walked to the nursery.
Elle was awake. Her gray eyes were open, staring at the mobile above her crib. The little birds circled slowly, their painted wings catching the faint morning light. She turned her head when I entered.
"Good morning, baby."
She kicked her feet.
"Today is a quiet day. No meetings. No phone calls. Just us."
She grabbed her toes. She had discovered them recently and seemed fascinated.
"I know. You're happy."
I dressed Elle in a soft yellow onesie and carried her downstairs.
