Friday morning light filled the driveway as Franz helped the twins into the backseat. Leo sat quietly, lion keychain turning slowly between his fingers. Lily kept up a steady stream of conversation—school stories, Kyle's drawings, why red ties were clearly superior. Franz answered lightly, but his thoughts were already turning toward the quiet estate waiting for him.
Two full nights. Just the two of them.
The anticipation sat warm and steady in his chest, making his fingers tap a restless rhythm against the steering wheel during the drive.
At his parents' estate, Amanda greeted the twins with warm hugs. She gave Franz one long, knowing look—amused, slightly mischievous—but said nothing.
"I'll pick them up Sunday afternoon," he told her.
Amanda smiled. "Take your time."
He drove away with the radio off and the windows down. The silence felt like possibility.
