Mara stepped through the doorway, the scent of home lavender and lemon polish, old books, and something baking wrapping around her like a well-worn shawl. Her brothers followed behind her, trailing laughter and half-finished arguments, jackets slung over shoulders, their presence filling the house like warm light after a long night.
She sank into the couch, her shoulders finally unclenching. The six months… they were coming. So close now she could almost taste the freedom in the air.
"You don't have to worry about me," Mara said quietly, looking up at her brothers. "The six months will be over soon. It's almost done."
Stanley flopped into the armchair across from her, a grin tugging at his lips. "Very soon," he teased, "you'll get rid of Ethan, and then? Finally, live your life again with your baby and Rafael." He wiggled his brows playfully.
