“The traffic was light,” he said, offering a small, tentative smile. “May I come in?”

I stepped aside, leaving the door open for him.

“Just for an hour,” I said. “We have unpacking to do.”

He nodded, accepting the boundary without argument.

He walked inside, his boots clicking on the floor.

He was a powerful man, but in this house, he was a guest.

Leo came running out of the kitchen, his face bright.

“Daddy!” he cried.

Damon dropped to one knee, letting the toy box slide to the floor as Leo threw his arms around his neck.

I watched them from the doorway, my hand resting on the heavy brass handle.

For the first time in five years, the air did not feel heavy with secrets.

I closed the door behind him, slid the deadbolt into place, and walked into my own home.