"Life hasn't always been easy for me," Elysia said softly, running her fingers

through Elijah's hair. "I've had my share of tough breaks. But these years in the

mountains with you, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett? I've been really happy."

Elijah looked troubled, his lips moving like he wanted to say something, but no

sound came out.

"I know the cabin isn't exactly a five-star hotel," Elysia continued, smiling, "but we

have each other. That's what matters most. So, Elijah, don't get all sad thinking

your mom's had it rough, okay?"

She cupped his cheek, her touch gentle. "But I have to say, it means the world to

me that you care so much. It makes me feel even luckier."

Elijah was always the quietest of her boys, a little more reserved than Elliot, Evan,

or Emmett. Still, he leaned into her touch, almost like he was soaking up her

warmth.

Elysia pulled him in for a hug. "I love you, Elijah."

He hugged her back, patting her shoulder like a tiny grown-up. "Love you too,

Mom."

Her heart swelled, and it took her a moment to steady herself before she smiled

again. "We've got another early morning hike tomorrow, so let's get some sleep,

alright?"

and

"Goodnight, Mom."

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

making sure he

own room.

lying in bed, the lamp

baby daughter was asleep in her

in invitation. "You

didn't answer right

their little

into bed and curled up

her

chest. He wrapped

her, noticing right

something was off.

he asked, voice

prickled

to check

still awake, standing

just...

so worried about

hard things

But he never wants to

about it."

his brow.

just sensitive. He worries about

shaky breath. "Honestly, I feel so

who care about her so

looked up at Tarquin, voice soft. "When I first

to have

jumping off a cliff without

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