Noah smiled bitterly in response.

He took the opportunity to check on the kids when Gladys went away to make breakfast. The morning sunlight shone into the bedroom. Both of them were sleeping soundly.

Holly loved sleeping on her back, but Lorian was accustomed to holding something in his embrace when he slept. It used to be a pillow, but he had a younger sister now. So, he was very content to hold her in his sleep.

Noah sat by the side of the bed.

Reaching out, he brushed the kids’ cheek