Stephanie's POV
The morning sun woke me up. It was warm on my face. For a second, I forgot where I was. Then I felt the heavy arm around my waist. I heard the deep, even breathing behind me.
Cane. We had fallen asleep tangled together. My back was against his chest. His nose was in my hair.
A slow smile spread across my face. I didn't move. I just lay there, feeling the peace of it. My body felt heavy and relaxed. No nightmares. No waking up in a panic. Just quiet sleep. The kind of sleep you only get when you feel truly safe.
Then, a loud knock on the door connecting our room to the kids' room.
Bam, bam, bam!
"Mom! Dad! Are you awake?" It was Josh, his voice full of morning energy. It sounded like he was right against the wood.
Cane groaned right in my ear. A low, grumpy sound. "Tell him no," he mumbled, his voice rough with sleep. He buried his face deeper into my hair and tightened his arm around me. "Five more minutes."
