Exiting the car, she moved towards the back seat to retrieve Bryce, but before she could reach him, Darrel appeared, his movements swift and gentle.

"Let me!" he offered, scooping Bryce up into his arms with practiced ease.

The small child stirred slightly, but remained asleep, cradled safely in Darrel's embrace.

"Thank you," Stella murmured, a genuine expression of gratitude in her voice.

Inside the house, the warm, inviting atmosphere was a stark contrast to the tension Stella had ...