The next morning, the mansion was too quiet.
Not tense.
Not uneasy.
Just… still.
Like something was waiting.
Vinny noticed it first.
He stood by the nursery window, Amara tucked against his shoulder, watching the garden below. Matthew was already dressed, cufflinks fastened, hair brushed back with the effortless precision that made him look untouchable.
But Vinny knew better.
Matthew hadn't slept.
"You're staring," Vinny said softly.
"I'm thinking."
"That's worse."
Matthew glanced at him. "You assume the worst of me."
"I assume the most complicated."
Amara babbled between them, grabbing at Matthew's tie when he stepped closer. He allowed it. He always did.
Matthew pressed a soft kiss to her curls. Then another to Vinny's temple.
"We're steady," he said quietly.
Vinny studied his face.
"Yes," he agreed.
But steady didn't mean simple.
And peace never meant permanent.
Downstairs—
Noah stood in the kitchen reviewing inventory reports when Aiden walked in.
