Chapter 22
The smell of cinnamon toast filled the kitchen. Sunlight cut across the countertops in golden slants. Noah was flipping pancakes while Liam sipped coffee, half-reading the news from his tablet. Ethan sat in his booster seat, feet swinging, babbling happily to his stuffed lion as he ate a strawberry like it was a life’s mission. Nadyia leaned against the doorframe, watching them for a moment before stepping in. Noah glanced up and smiled. “Morning.” “Hey,” she murmured. She walked over to Ethan and kissed the top of his head. “Sleep okay, little bear?” Ethan grinned and held up a sticky hand in reply. Liam passed her a mug. “You feeling alright?” Nadyia took it, warm in both hands. “Better than alright.” For the first time in what felt like years, her body felt light like she wasn’
- Writer
