The first evening without Allison or the staff felt like a dream unfolding in slow motion. The mansion was hushed, the twins’ soft breathing the only sound from the nursery monitor. Stiles had spent the afternoon playing with the boys in the sun-drenched garden, her tiny sundress riding up as she chased them on all fours, their chubby laughter echoing. Now, as the sun dipped low, Derek found her in the living room, cradling Naoh while Eli dozed against her chest.

He leaned against the doorframe, his tall frame silhouetted, eyes devouring her. “Baby… put the boys to sleep, then go to your room. There’s a dress I selected on the bed—put it on and come down, okay?”