Bella's POV
The morning light filtered through the windows as my children burst from their rooms, their energy infectious after sleeping in a real house again. They were dressed and ready for adventure, eager to explore the garden that stretched beyond the glass doors.
Their excitement faltered when Vance emerged from the guest room, still buttoning his crisp white shirt. Water droplets clung to his dark hair, evidence of his recent shower. The sight of him, disheveled and gorgeous, sent an unwelcome flutter through my chest.
"Daddy!" Zack launched himself forward, his small arms wrapping around Vance's legs. Tara and Leah followed more cautiously, their earlier disappointment momentarily forgotten as they melted into his embrace.
Watching him scoop up all three children effortlessly, carrying them toward the living room with its floor-to-ceiling windows, I felt that familiar twist in my stomach. He could be so gentle with them, so present, yet so impossibly distant with me.
