Lewis

Ryan holds open the door as I carry Ian, sleeping on my shoulder, into the house. Without her having to give me any directions, I place him in his baby bed then join Ryan in the kitchen.

Bent over the kitchen island, her forehead between her hands, I approach cautiously, trying to ascertain if she’s crying or simply exhausted. She doesn’t look up to acknowledge my presence. “I managed to put him into his bed without waking him.”

“I feel safer with him ...