Chapter 33
Lucas P.O.V
The soft glow of dawn crept into my room, slipping through the sheer curtains like a shy intruder. I stretched, rubbed the sleep from my eyes, and glanced at the clock. Seven a.m. already. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Work was calling, but my heart wasn’t ready to leave the warmth of home—the laughter of my daughters, their tiny feet padding across polished floors, and the quiet hum of Elle’s presence.
Beside me, Kate stirred. She’d fallen asleep in my room last night after claiming her lightbulb had gone out. Out of courtesy—and maybe nostalgia for the girl who once followed me everywhere as a child—I hadn’t chased her away.
“Kate,” I said softly, shaking her shoulder, “it’s morning. Time to get up.”
Her lashes fluttered open. “Mmm… okay, Lucas. Th
