Lost in the storm of emotions swirling inside her, Victoria did not even realize when sleep finally took hold of her. One moment she was still caught in her thoughts, and the next, everything faded into darkness. Beside her, Carlisle remained awake, sitting quietly as he watched her. His expression was hidden in the dim light, his eyes unreadable as he studied her sleeping face.
After a while, he shifted closer and pulled her gently into his arms. He held her carefully, almost instinctively, drawing her against his chest. Lowering his head, he buried his face in her hair and inhaled deeply. Her scent wrapped around him, soft and familiar, settling something restless inside him. It was calming in a way he had not expected, like a quiet lullaby easing his mind.
For the first time since his
