Ashley POV

“Jayden?” I croaked.

“Hmm?” There was a small chuckle. “No, sweetie, it's just your old man.”

I almost thought I was still sleeping when I opened my eyes to find my dad smiling serenely from where he sat on the edge of my bed. The panoramic window in my room was still covered by a curtain that blocked the sunlight from pouring in, the only light in the room was the table lamp that I assumed my dad had turned on. Jayden's bed is empty.

He must have carried me inside while I was asleep, I thought.

“Good morning,” my dad greeted, smiling.

“Dad, why are you home?”...