**Evergreen, Colorado – Present Day**
“Mom, the muffins are burning again!"
Sophie Lane jolted upright, flour dusting her apron. “No, they're just... extra golden," she said, flinging open the oven door with a potholder and a curse. Smoke drifted up.
Six-year-old Leah scrunched her nose. “They smell like Grandpa's old boots."
“You've never met your grandpa," Sophie said, coughing into her sleeve.
“Still smells like boots."
Sophie pulled out the tray and tossed it onto the counter. “You win this round."
Leah grinned, already back at her crayons. “Can I draw the dream dad again?"
Sophie paused. “The same one with the gray eyes?"
“Mmhmm." Leah didn't look up. “He helped me fight a monster in the woods last night. He had a big scar and a watch that glowed blue."
Sophie's hand froze m
