Chapter 29: The Knock at the Gate
The morning settled into a gentle rhythm — pancakes sizzling on the stove, Callahan Jr. humming off‑key, Brent moving around the kitchen with a quiet ease Emery had never seen in him before. It felt domestic, lived‑in, like a life that had been waiting for her to step into it.
She poured coffee into two mugs, handing one to Brent. Their fingers brushed, and even that small touch sent a warm flutter through her chest.
“Thank you,” he murmured, eyes lingering on her a moment too long.
She smiled. “You’re welcome.”
Callahan Jr. banged his fork on the table. “Can we go check the garden after breakfast?”
Brent nodded. “We can.”
“And can Emery come too?”
Emery laughed. “I think I can manage that.”
The boy grinned, satisfied.
Everything felt easy.Natura
