The morning began in peace.
Sienna was the first to wake, sunlight pouring through the windows of the cabin, casting golden light across the wooden floors. She stretched, yawned, and padded quietly toward the nursery. River was already awake, lying quietly in his crib, his wide gray eyes staring at the ceiling.
"Good morning, moonbeam," she whispered, scooping him into her arms. He was warm and heavy against her chest, a comfort she'd come to cherish. "Let's get your breakfast, hmm?"
With Nova and Kade still asleep upstairs—after returning home late and arguing in low, heated tones—Sienna decided to give them a chance to rest. She fixed River a warm bottle, then placed a small saucepan on the stove. The beef puree was already made—thick, rich, and still his favorite.
Outside, the world
