Chapter 88

OLIVIA'S POV The house was quiet when we stepped inside, a stark contrast to the laughter and music that had filled the night just an hour ago. The kids, barely keeping their eyes open, clung to me like sleepy little vines, their energy finally drained after what had been the most eventful birthday of their lives. Dominic stood just behind me, his presence unfamiliar but no longer unwelcome—not after tonight. "You can... lay them down," I said softly, adjusting Aria's weight in my arms as I looked at him. "If you want." His eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he looked at me like I'd just handed him the world. "Really?" he asked, his voice quiet and careful, as if he were afraid I'd change my mind. I nodded. He took Noah's hand gently. "Come on, champ," he whispered. "Let's get you to bed." Noah didn't resist. Neither did Aria when I handed her over. She curled into Dominic's chest as if she'd done it a hundred times before. As if he'd never left. I followed them to the kids' r