Athena wasn't sure she could ever get used to this feeling—seeing how close Ewan had gotten to her children, the joy that shone on his face as he laughed with them over something she had no idea about but wished she did, just so she could be part of it.
Her heart warmed and ached all at once. It was always beautiful—watching him fit into their lives like he had always been meant to be there. Her son's laughter rang through the room, easy and genuine, and she marveled at how relaxed Nathaniel looked. The laid-back attitude was one only she usually got to see, and a few others he carefully let in.
Her heart threatened to beat out of its cage when Nathaniel threw his head back and laughed, asking Ewan another question—one the man was all too eager to answer.
The sound tugged at something deep inside her chest. She felt that tight, fluttering ache of yearning, mixed with gratitude, and the faint thrill of something new blossoming between them.
