After a long and exhausting night of work in London at the House of Lords, you and Thomas decided not to return to Arrow House with the children right away. The thought of facing Amy and your other child’s sleepy eyes after such a demanding day seemed too draining, so you opted to stay at your London apartment, a small, elegant, and discreet refuge that offered privacy and calm away from the bustle of Birmingham.

Upon arriving, the apartment was quiet, lit only by the warm glow of the living room lamp. Thomas, with his shirt unbuttoned and hair still damp from the London drizzle, went straight to the bathroom, dropping his coat over a nearby chair. The steam from his shower soon filled the small bathroom, while you settled on the sofa with the phone in hand.

When you were talking, Thomas emerged from the bathroom, hair soaked and a towel wrapped around his waist. Seeing your eyes still shining from speaking to the children, he gave you a tired but satisfied smile. “They’re not asleep yet, are they?” he murmured, leaning against the doorframe.