Stella's POV

The house felt strangely quiet after the sound of the boys' excited laughter over their sweets had faded away. Alexander took them to the living room, helping them settle in, while Leah followed me into the kitchen. I knew that raised eyebrow she'd given me when she arrived hadn't been for nothing. Leah never let anything slide.

I stirred a pitcher of juice just to keep my hands busy, but Leah leaned against the counter, crossed her arms, and watched me with that patient, suspic