Aria watched from the penthouse windows as the world turned yellow with the blazing sun, grateful she didn't have to venture out. At twenty-three weeks pregnant, navigating the heated sidewalks would have been treacherous.
The "Where Love Lives" sign had arrived three days earlier, delivered personally by Rachel Bernardine who'd refused to come inside, just handed it over with a warm smile and best wishes for the pregnancy.
Damien had hung it in Emma's nursery above the crib. Every time Aria saw it, she felt a connection to her father, as a reminder that the love he'd given her was still alive, and still guiding her.
On Aria's birthday morning, Aria woke to find Damien already gone, which was unusual for a Saturday. A note on his pillow said simply: Stay in bed. I'll be right back.
She
