The meeting

~RAIN~

The persistent chime of the doorbell pulled me from a restless slumber. My eyelids fluttered open, the hazy fog of a night without much respite slowly lifting. I shifted slightly, glancing down to find Cody nestled against me, sleeping peacefully, his breathing rhythmic and calm.

He had not been able to sleep all night and when he finally did, it was in my arms on the couch. Even when the bell continued to ring over and over again, he didn't wake up.

Gently maneuvering out from under him, I lifted him carefully, cradling him in my arms as I walked up the stairs to our room. With delicate steps, I laid him down on the bed, adjusting the covers to ensure he remained snug and undisturbed. I kissed his forehead before walking down to the persistent ringing of the doorbell.

I opened the door and realized that it was Isabella and walking behind her was Marcus. "Morning, Marcus, Isabella," I greeted them, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"Good afternoon," he greeted and waved at me.

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