The rest of Christmas Day was a blur of joyful noise. The living room became a war zone of new toys, Mark toddling happily amongst the wrapping paper, and the older kids testing out their gifts. The joy, underpinned by the knowledge of Liv’s permanent security, made the day lighter, more genuine.
Later that night, the house finally settled. The lights were out, and the quiet was absolute.
Blake waited then slipped out of his window. He crossed the makeshift bridge, a smile already fixed on his face, a medium-sized box hidden behind his back.
He climbed into Liv’s room. She was sitting on her bed, scrolling through her phone, the room illuminated only by the soft glow of her fairy lights.
She looked up and chuckled, sensing his goofy, expectant expression. “What is it, Copper? You look
