Chapter 60

• Olivia's POV
• The house hummed with a quiet, contented warmth, a gentle counterpoint to the vibrant energy of the late afternoon. Sunlight, now softened to a golden hue, spilled generously through the living room windows, illuminating the motes of dust dancing in the air like tiny, ephemeral stars. It was that sweet spot in the day, after the bustle of morning and before the evening rush, when a sense of peace settled in. Just as I was savoring the tranquility, the front door swung open, and the sound of laughter spilled into the hall, bright and unrestrained. Jessie and Tamara walked in, their faces alight with an easy joy, a scattering of shopping bags dangling from their arms.
• I exchanged a glance with Cal, who sat beside me on the plush couch, his arm draped casually over the back, a familiar comfort. A shared smile, one of understanding and quiet triumph, bloomed on both our faces. This was the sight we’d longed for, the one we’d barely dared to hope for.