LOGIN“Our Quiet Forever” Saesha’s POV The sunset spilled across the living room windows like melted gold, warm and soft and familiar — the same color of every ending I’d ever feared, and every beginning I never knew I deserved. Elian was on the floor with his wooden horse, trotting it around the rug while narrating a full dramatic story only he understood. The twins were crawling in circles, babbling to each other like they were telling secrets only siblings could decode. And Alex stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame, watching all three of them with an expression I once thought he’d never wear — peace. Pure, unshakeable peace. I walked toward him slowly, my steps quiet, my heart loud. He noticed instantly, his arms opening without a word. I melted into his chest. The place that had once been chaos. Now home. “You’re quiet,” he murmured into my hair. “I’m thinking.” “That’s new.” I elbowed him softly, and he chuckled, kissing the top of my head. Bu
(Saesha’s POV) The kitchen was a war zone. Flour clouds hung in the air like soft mist, the counter was covered in egg shells and spilled milk, and Elian stood on a chair with a whisk in hand — looking way too proud of his “pancake skills.” “Mama, look!” he shouted, stirring the batter with all his strength. “I’m making magic cakes!” I tried not to laugh. “Sweetheart, it’s pancakes, not magic cakes.” He blinked, confused. “But Papa said they turn brown and fluffy — that’s magic!” Alex snorted from the stove. “He’s not wrong.” “Don’t encourage him,” I groaned, but there was no real annoyance in my tone. The twins were in their high chairs, watching their big brother like he was the star of a cooking show. One of them — our little girl — clapped every time Elian made the batter splash. The other — our quiet boy — giggled whenever the spoon made a funny sound. Alex turned, flipping a pancake perfectly with one hand while wiping batter off Elian’s cheek with the other. “You’ve g
(Saesha’s POV) The night settled soft and slow, wrapping the house in that tender kind of stillness that only came after laughter. The twins had finally drifted off — one sprawled across Alex’s chest, the other snuggled into my arm, clutching his tiny bear like a secret. Elian had insisted on sleeping in his little bed tonight, his new wooden horse “Thunder” safely tucked beside him. But even as I stood in the doorway watching him, I could tell he wasn’t quite asleep yet — his eyes half-open, dreamy. “Can’t sleep, my little knight?” I whispered, stepping closer. He shook his head slightly, his voice soft and thick with drowsiness. “Papa said dragons are real.” I smiled faintly. “Did he now?” “Yeah,” he murmured, eyes fluttering. “But he said they’re not bad dragons… just sad ones who forgot how to love.” My heart tugged. That was so like Alex — turning even monsters into metaphors for hearts that once hurt. Elian rolled onto his side, clutching Thunder tighter. “But Papa’s no
SAESHA POV The sound of carving filled the warm night air — soft shavings of wood falling rhythmically as Alex worked on the porch table. The faint golden light from the hanging lantern kissed his skin, glinting off the curve of his jaw, the muscles in his forearms flexing as he guided the knife with careful precision. I leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, watching him. “You’ve been at it for hours,” I murmured, smiling when he didn’t even glance up. “Mm,” he hummed lowly, eyes still on the wooden piece in his hand. “They’re almost done. You know how Elian gets when he sees the twins with something new.” My lips curved as I stepped closer, peeking over his shoulder. Three tiny wooden toys rested on the table — one was a small horse with intricate details carved into the mane, the other two were little bears. The twins’ initials were carefully etched underneath. “You carved their initials?” I asked softly. “Of course.” He finally looked up at me, those stormy-blue eyes cat
SAESHA POV The afternoon sun was warm but gentle, the kind that didn’t burn—just wrapped you in soft gold. The sky stretched endlessly, painted with slow-moving clouds. Alex had packed the picnic basket, insisting I sit down and not lift a thing, which of course led to me lifting three things just to annoy him. Elian, meanwhile, was on a mission. He’d decided he was “leader of picnic operations,” dragging his tiny backpack full of toys, snacks, and one of his baby brother’s rattles that he’d sworn was his “microphone.” “Papa! Hurry!” he yelled from the car seat, tapping the window impatiently. “We’ll miss the park grass!” Alex shut the door and shook his head, grinning. “He talks like we’re catching a train.” I buckled the twins in their carriers, feeling that familiar tug in my heart as their sleepy faces relaxed against the soft fabric. “Well, to be fair, when Elian’s in charge—everything’s urgent.” He shot me that smile—the one that had once melted my defenses and still did
SAESHA POV The house was wrapped in stillness when I woke up again. The clock on the wall glowed 2:17 a.m., and for a moment, I didn’t even remember falling asleep. My cheek was pressed against Alex’s chest, his heartbeat a slow, steady rhythm under my ear. A soft, sleepy whimper from the baby monitor pulled me back to reality. “The twins,” I murmured, already trying to get up. But Alex’s arm tightened around me before I could move. “I’ve got it,” he said quietly, voice gravelly with sleep. He rubbed his eyes and stood, stretching as he headed toward the nursery. I watched him go—barefoot, hair tousled, shirtless, moving like he’d done this a hundred times and would still do it a hundred more. A few minutes later, I followed, unable to resist. The nursery glowed with the faintest night light—soft golden stars painted across the walls. Alex was already there, sitting in the rocker with both babies in his arms. One was fussing, the other quietly staring up at him, her tiny finge







