She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, as though expecting me to disappear. But when she opened them and found me still there, she sat up abruptly and glanced around the room, making my hand slip from her waist.
The sudden emptiness lingered.
Quietly, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood. "I must have fallen asleep while soothing Aimy. Sorry about that."
She said nothing, her gaze returning to our sleeping daughter.
"It's still early," I added. "You should get some more rest."
I had almost reached the door when her soft voice stopped me.
"You should go to the office."
I turned back. "What?"
"You've already stayed in Rosewood Town longer than you planned because of us. I'm sure there are things waiting for you there. Maria is here now."
She spoke as though she and Aimy were burdens I had graciously agreed to carry.
"What are you saying, Alicia? Aimy is my daughter, and you—"
