The last few bites of fruit were still on the plate when Ethan leaned forward, reaching for one of the apple slices.
But before he could grab it, Everly beat him to it, popping the piece into his mouth with a smug look like she'd just won something.
He blinked, chewed slowly, then gave her a sideways glance.
She grinned and leaned her head against his shoulder, acting like nothing happened.
Evelyn, quiet as always, held out his cup of water with one hand. He took it without saying anything, gave her a small nod, and drank.
She shifted against him, curling up more comfortably on his lap. One of her bare legs brushed his as she pulled her knee up, letting it rest across his thigh.
They weren't dressed for the day. Still wearing his oversized shirts. Still warm from sleep. Still so close that the idea of personal space felt pointless.
No one said anything for a while. The table was mostly cleared, but nobody moved.
