AVA’S POV
The breeze in the park carries a refreshing chill, making the leaves rustle like they’re gossiping to each other.
The triplets rush ahead to the park, little sparks of laughter covered in puffy jackets, their happiness filling the air.
Nicholas takes his seat at my side on the faded wooden bench.
Neither of us spoke to each other at first.
He leaned back, bent over a bit letting his elbows rest on his knees, eyes tracking the girls like a hawk.
His eyes hold something far beyond fatherhood.
It’s guarded, searching as if he’s still convincing himself they’re real and here.
I wrap my arms around myself against the breeze, but I’m unsure if the weather or the weight of silence between us makes me shiver.
He breaks the silence first, his voice low, as though afraid the wo
