CLAIRE

I woke up Thursday morning to Julian already dressed and making breakfast.

"Morning," I said, shuffling into the kitchen still half asleep.

"Morning," he replied, turning from the stove with a smile. "Coffee?"

"Please," I said, sitting at the counter.

Julian poured me a cup and set it down along with a plate of eggs and toast. "You're up early," I observed.

"So are you," Julian pointed out. "Big day checking on the new production setup?"

"Yeah," I confirmed, taking a sip of coffee. "Nina wants me there when the new seamstresses start, make sure they understand the quality standards."

"That's smart," Julian said, sitting beside me with his...