Chapter 69

—Ellie—

Damian walked into the living room where Kate and I were sitting on a blanket with Samuel and Isabella. Kate was a natural with kids, and it was obvious how much she loved them. She held Samuel in her lap as she showed him a picture book. Isabella sat in my lap, her tiny hand wrapped around my thumb and looking down at the book in my free hand.

I looked up at Damian but his eyes were on Kate, who was smiling down at my son, practically glowing with happiness. Slowly, he dragged his gaze up. “Tristan just woke up.”

Without thinking, I got up with Isabella clinging to me. I didn’t want my kids there when I first talked to Tristan after he’d woken. I felt like we needed a moment before I could allow that. I untangled Isabella gently and laid her down on the blanket, then hesitated.

Kate looked up with a smile. “Damian and I can watch them while you talk to Tristan.”

Damian moved closer but I stayed where I was.