As the day wore on, Riley and Alistair found themselves falling into an easy rhythm. While Riley prepared dinner, Alistair entertained Sam with a puppet show made from mismatched socks.
Riley couldn't help but laugh as she watched him. "I didn't know you had a talent for improving."
"Surprise," he said, making the sock puppet wave at her. "Turns out, I'm a man of many hidden talents."
Sam giggled uncontrollably, her laughter filling the room like a balm for their weary souls.
"She loves you," Riley said, her voice softer now.
Alistair looked up, his expression tender. "I think I love her too."
That night, as Riley lay in bed in her own apartment, she couldn't stop thinking about Alistair's words. She had always prided herself on being independent, on not needing anyone. But the past
