Chapter 18: The Quiet Between Heartbeats
The next morning arrived with a softness that felt almost unreal. Emery woke to the gentle glow of sunlight slipping through the curtains, warming her face. For a moment she lay still, listening to the quiet hum of the cabin — the faint clatter of dishes, the low murmur of Brent’s voice, the occasional burst of laughter from Callahan Jr.
It was a peaceful sound. A home sound.
She wrapped herself in a quilt and stepped into the hallway. Brent stood at the counter, sleeves rolled up, hair still damp from the morning air. Callahan Jr. sat on the table swinging his legs, eating berries straight from the bowl.
Brent looked up when he sensed her. His smile was small but warm, the kind that reached his eyes. “Morning.”
“Morning,” she echoed, f
