70

I wandered through the packhouse, ensuring everything was running smoothly for the night. The smell of dinner lingered in the air, and laughter echoed from one of the rooms down the hall. It was one of those rare, calm moments when nothing was wrong, no fights were brewing, and everyone seemed settled.

That in itself felt like a miracle.

I glanced out the window and saw Phin heading down to the docks. Teddy was down there. Drinking, of course.

I sighed.

I trusted Phin would talk to him, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was pulling away. Teddy's been off lately, but he wouldn't talk about it. That was a conversation for later, though.

As I made my way through the house, I caught sight of Viviana sitting quietly on the back porch, her hands resting in her lap as she watched Marilee play. Something about her posture was different, more relaxed, yet there was a lingering tension in her shoulders. I decided to join her.

"Hey, Vivi," I said softly, sitting beside her.

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