Lily's POV
I returned to Wendy’s estate in the late afternoon with my arms aching and my balance shot, weighed down by garment bags that slid against each other and shoe boxes stacked precariously against my chest. I was so tired but all I could think about was not dropping anything before I made it inside. The front door felt farther away than it should have been. I nudged it open with my hip, trying to keep the bags from tipping, and the door creaked just enough to announce my arrival.
I was halfway through an awkward shuffle inside when Dante appeared from the hallway.
He didn’t say a word. He just took in the scene, me blinking against the change in light, arms trembling slightly, fabric sliding, and stepped forward like it was the most natural thing in the world. He reached out a
