*~~Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Eight~~*

{~~Avery Sterling~~}

I spent the morning at home, relishing the quiet peace that settled around the house. The sun filtered gently through the curtains, casting a soft glow on everything, and for a moment, it felt like the world was just ours—mine, Logan’s, and Hope’s. After stretching lazily in bed for a while, I finally convinced myself to get up. Heading to the bathroom, I took a long, luxurious shower, letting the warmth of the water wash away any lingering sleepiness. I stood under the stream for longer than I needed to, enjoying the way the steam filled the room, the sound of the water creating a soothing rhythm in the otherwise still morning. Once I was done, I dried off and dressed, opting for something casual but comfortable.

Afterward, I went to check on Hope, scooping her up from her crib with a soft smile. She greeted me with a gurgling giggle that melted my heart, as it always did. Her little hands reached up, clutching at my shirt as I carried her out of the room and dow