Back at a nearby hotel, Frankie slept soundly curled on her side next to me. I watched her slow breaths move her chest up and down. Her mouth was slightly parted, her eyebrows pinched like always, yet she looked more peaceful than I’d seen her in some time. Maybe ever.

Wesley and Emma flew with George and Joey back to LA to get started on that process. Charlie and Kate took Collette for the day, practicing their new roles of aunt and uncle. Based on their updates, Collette loved the attention as they took her shopping and to lunch.

Frankie stirred and shifted, removing one of her hands where it had been tucked between her knees to search the duvet between us.

“Where are you?” she half-mumbled, eyes closed.

I slid down to lay facing her, threading our fingers. “I’m right here.”

She let out a deep breath and hummed contentedly. “Getssomesleep,” she slurred.

“If you insist.” I tucked myself in and she turned so I could spoon her. I inhaled her scent as I closed my eyes and let myself drift off.