Chapter 546
Chapter 546
“ Welcome back, Mr. Daven,” greeted the two security guards who had been stationed near the right–wing pavilion.
Daven was a little puzzled by the heightened security, but he knew it must have been arranged by Nathan while he was at the prosecutor’s office. All he could do was nod in acknowledgment.
It was late at night when they finally returned to the master bedroom. The corridor lights were dim, casting a quiet calm that felt worlds apart from the chaos of the day. The moment the door opened, Grace ran inside first, with Josh following behind, carrying an extra pillow from his own room.
Althea smiled softly at the sight. She walked toward the wardrobe, intending to get sleepwear for the children and for Daven.
“I’ll get your pajamas first,” she said gently.
But before her hand could reach the handle, Daven was already beside her.
“No need,” he said quietly.
Althea turned. “I was just going to p>
“I’ll get them,” Daven interrupted, his tone gentle but firm. “You sit down. You must be exhausted. Rest p>
Josh immediately stepped closer. “I’ll help, Dad p>
Daven gave a brief smile. “Alright. Get your own pajamas and Grace’s p>
Josh nodded and carefully opened the wardrobe, while Daven took his own night clothes. Althea finally gave in
and sat on the sofa in the center of the spacious room. Grace quickly hurried over.
“Mom, I’ll stay with you,” she said brightly, wrapping her arms around Althea’s arm.
Daven glanced at them briefly before returning his attention to helping Josh. It didn’t take long before everything was ready.
After that, they took turns showering–Daven first, then Josh. Grace waited patiently in the room, staying close to Althea the whole time, chatting about little things that made Althea laugh softly.
When everyone was finally dressed for bed, they gathered on the large mattress. Grace immediately lay down in the middle, pulling the blanket up to her chin.
“Mom,” she said hopefully, “tell me a story p>
Josh let out a small sigh but lay down on the other side.
Althea smiled. “What kind of story tonight p>
Grace thought for a moment. “About a princess… but not a sad one p>
Althea nodded and began in a gentle voice. “Once upon a time, there was a princess who lived in a grand castle. Everyone thought her life was perfect. But in truth, she often felt lonely p>
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Grace looked at her intently.
“One day,” Althea continued, “a knight came along. He wasn’t the greatest fighter, but he was always there whenever the princess needed him p>
Josh spoke up quietly, “That’s not an ordinary knight p>
Althea smiled. “You’re right. He wasn’t the strongest–but he was the most loyal p>
Grace hugged her pillow tighter.
“Then they built a new castle,” Althea went on. “Not from stone, but from happiness. And inside it, they had a little family that kept the castle warm p>
Josh cleared his throat softly. “And the knight eventually learned how to cook p>
Daven, who was sitting at the edge of the bed, chuckled. “That part wasn’t necessary p>
Grace giggled.
The
story continued—simple, warm, filled with soft laughter in between. Before long, Grace’s voice faded. Her eyes slowly closed. A few minutes later, her breathing became steady and even.
Josh tried to stay awake a little longer, but eventually he drifted off too, one hand still resting on top of the
blanket.
Althea fell quiet, watching the two of them. She gently straightened their blankets, brushed the strands of hair away from Grace’s face, and smoothed the sleeve of Josh’s pajama where it had folded awkwardly.
Daven switched off the main lights, leaving only the soft glow of the bedside lamp. He walked over and stopped behind her. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around her from behind.
Althea leaned back into him without hesitation, without worry–because she knew her husband was right there.
“They’re growing up so fast,” Daven whispered.
Althea nodded. “And we almost missed so much p>
Daven didn’t answer right away. He only tightened his embrace.
“We didn’t miss anything, sweetheart,” he murmured. “You were there for every little moment Josh had. And I did everything I could to be there for Grace–through everything. With you p>
Althea turned and looked at him closely.
“And this time,” he continued softly, “we’ll go through it together. No more being apart p>
After making sure the blankets covered the children properly, they moved to the small sofa in the corner of the room. The night lamp cast a warm, quiet light around them.
For a few seconds, they simply looked at each other.
“I still can’t believe today really happened,” Althea said softly.
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