Adeline’s POV
After dinner, the table looked like joy had exploded on it. There were crumbs, empty bowls, and little handprints on the edge of the tablecloth. I didn’t even mind. It had been a long time since laughter made a mess in my home.
“Go play in the living room,” I told them, collecting plates. “No running, no flying, no summoning imaginary dragons.”
Elijah grinned. “So, no fun?”
I gave him a look. “Moderate fun.”
He laughed. “Got it.”
The twins dashed off, dragging Myra along. I stacked the last of the dishes in the sink, letting their laughter roll through the room like a heartbeat.
By the time I leaned against the doorway, the boys had set up their video game. Myra sat between them, clutching a controller like it was a weapon she hadn’t learned to use yet.
“Press that on
