Jake’s POV

Poppy falls asleep while we talk. Leo and I both know the exact moment it happens. Her breathing changes. The tension slowly drains from her body, the way it does when someone finally lets themselves rest after holding too much for too long.

Neither of us move because we are not stupid enough to risk waking her. She’s curled against me on the couch, her head resting lightly against my shoulder. My arm is draped loosely around her, careful not to hold too tightly, careful not to ...