Chapter 96

Four years later.

Emma woke up to the smell of pancakes and the sound of whispering in the hallway. She kept her eyes closed, listening to her family’s attempt at stealth.

“Shhh, Frankie! You’re going to wake her up,” Charlotte hissed in the loud whisper that only eight-year-olds thought was quiet.

“I’m being quiet!” seven-year-old Frankie whispered back, equally loud. “You’re the one making noise!”

“Both of you are making noise,” came Alek’s amused voice. “And Mama’s probably already awake anyway.”

Emma smiled into her pillow. Ten years of marriage, and Alek still knew her sleeping patterns better than anyone.

“Is she awake?” Charlotte asked.

“Why don’t you go find out?” Alek suggested.

Tiny feet thundered down the hallway, and Emma’s bedroom door burst open. Charlotte and Frankie launched themselves onto the bed with the enthusiasm of children who’d been planning something special.

“Happy anniversary, Mama!” Charlotte announced