Two halves

"Don't ever do that again," Rafael murmured, pulling Mara into a hug so tight it knocked the breath out of her. Relief poured off him in waves, his voice thick, cracking at the edges. Across the side, Ethan stood stiff, jaw clenched, trying to keep himself together.

"Did you file the police report?" Mara asked, eyes flicking to Ethan, her voice steady, sharp.

"Yes," he sighed, a weight behind the word. "But the arrest hasn't been issued yet."

Mara smirked, the kind of smirk that said she knew how this game played out. "It'll be ready after she runs," she muttered, moving toward Steph, who was cradling baby Andrew in his arms.

Mara hadn't laid eyes on him in a year.

"Hello," Steph whispered, carefully passing the child into Mara's waiting arms.

"There, there, my little lion," Mara crooned softly, pressing her cheek to his. "You're with Mummy now."

The air stilled.