Cole’s POV

The house is finally quiet, the storm of the day having passed, or at least paused long enough for us to catch our breath. Upstairs, Daniella and Dean are sleeping, the soft, rhythmic rise and fall of their chests offering a sense of calm I desperately need. The baby is in the bassinet beside the couch, tiny chest rising with each careful breath, unaware of the tension that still hangs in the air. Elena sits next to me, leaning against my shoulder, her hand resting protectively ...