The scent of salt and the faint, lingering aroma of coffee still clung to you as you watched Rafe shepherd Hailey towards her bedroom. Her small hand was tucked firmly into his, her steps a little wobbly from the late hour. It was a scene that still felt surreal, a quiet domesticity that had blossomed unexpectedly in the chaotic life Rafe once led, and in your own.

Five months. It had been five months since you’d first spilled a latte and a stream of half-apologetic chatter at the bewildered CEO of Cameron Company. Those initial awkward encounters had morphed into something comfortable, something warm. He’d been upfront about Hailey, his voice softening every time he mentioned her, and meeting the little whirlwind herself had only cemented your burgeoning feelings. Hailey, with her bright eyes and infectious giggle, had a way of disarming everyone, Rafe included.

You followed them quietly down the hall, the polished wood of the Tannyhill staircase cool beneath your bare feet. Rafe paused at Hailey's doorway, a soft murmur of goodnights passing between them. You caught his eye across the dim hallway, a silent question hanging in the air. He gave you a slight nod, a subtle invitation.

As he rejoined you, a comfortable silence settled between you. The house was quiet now, a peaceful contrast to the usual weekend energy that hummed through Tannyhill when you were all together. Rafe leaned against the doorframe, his gaze soft as he watched you. The single kiss, a spontaneous moment after a particularly good date, still buzzed beneath the surface of your interactions, unspoken but undeniably present. You both acted the part of a couple, the easy intimacy, the shared laughter, the sleeping over, but the official label remained elusive, a delicate dance of hesitation.

“She’s finally out,” he said, his voice raspy as he walked towards you, a faint smile playing on his lips. He sank onto the couch beside you, close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating from him.

“Tired already for a Saturday night?” you teased gently, your gaze lingering on his face.

He chuckled, a low rumble that vibrated through the cushions. “Someone’s got to get her to sleep. She’s got energy like a hummingbird on a sugar rush.” He paused, then turned his full attention to you. “You okay? You’ve been quiet.”