“Sleep tight, Mama,” he whispered.

Carla’s heart fluttered.

Despite the storm of emotions she’d been wrestling with all evening, his simple words unraveled her completely. She smiled softly, her earlier panic easing into a calm, fragile peace. She nestled deeper into his arms, savoring the warmth, the familiarity.

“Goodnight,” she whispered back, letting the comfort of his touch lull her toward sleep.

But neither of them truly slept.

Liam stared at the ceiling long after Carla’s breathing had evened out, his thoughts spiraling. The lie still lingered. He could feel it between them like an invisible wall. Yet, as he held her, a deeper fear gnawed at him. Was this...