Shaun carried Halsey to the bathroom, washed her gently, then brought her back to bed. Exhausted, Halsey curled up under the covers and was out like a light.

Shaun pinched her cheek playfully. “You can’t sleep yet, my lady.”

Halsey kept her eyes shut, mumbling a drowsy protest in a soft, sleep-slurred voice. “Shh… I’m so tired…”

Shaum ran his fingers through her damp hair. “Your hair’s still wet. Let me dry it for you.”

He grabbed the hairdryer and began carefully blowing her hair dry, his movements so light they didn’t wake her. Halsey only faintly registered the warmth of the air and the soothing drag of his fingers through her long strands as the moisture slowly vanished.

Once he was done, Shaun set the dryer aside and slipped into the shower himself. When he returned, he pulled back the covers and climbed into bed. Though this was technically his room, he hadn’t slept here since bringing Halsey back-he’d never held her in this bed before.

Now, with Halsey deep in sleep, he gathered her into his arms.

She nuzzled against him like an affectionate kitten, sighing as she settled into the crook of his shoulder. “Shaun…”

His lips curved. “I’m here.”

Then, softer this time, she murmured, “Dwight.”

The name hit him like a punch to the chest. So many memories-sweet, unreachable moments from their youth. Back when he was Dwight, Halsey had been the only light in his world. And from the moment he found her, he had clung to that light, refusing

to let go.

No matter how much it hurt.

She still remembered him as Dwight.

Shaun pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’m here.”

Whether as Shaun or Dwight, he would always be hers.

Satisfied, Halsey drifted off completely, her breathing slow and even. Shaun held her close, his hand drifting down to rest on the gentle swell of her stomach.

Here, in his home, in his arms, she and their child were safe.

After everything they had been through, this was the ending he had always wanted.

His voice was a whisper against her hair. “Hey, little one. It’s me, your daddy. I’m right here with you…”

As if in response, the baby gave a small kick, right against Shaun’s palm.

It wasn’t the first time he had felt their child move, but the thrill never faded. He grinned, stroking Halsey’s belly.

“You know it’s me, don’t you? Alright, time to rest now. No more moving around-your mommy’s asleep, and we don’t want to wake her.”

Miraculously, the baby seemed to listen, settling quietly.

Shaun tightened his arms around Halsey, wishing time would freeze-just for tonight.

“Goodnight, my lady,” he murmured before closing his eyes.

2

The next morning.

find empty sheets.

cy wont to amp’

She sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Shaun?”

No answer.

“Shaun, where are you?”

She was again met with silence.

Where had he gone?