Thinking of the photoshoot again, Andrew couldn’t shake the vivid images of Eva from his mind. She’d looked breathtaking, each outfit more alluring than the last. The mere thought of anyone else seeing her like that stirred an unfamiliar feeling deep within him—a possessiveness he couldn’t ignore. “Never again” he vowed silently. No one else would have the chance to admire her the way he had. She was his, and he’d make sure she knew it.

The next evening, as the workday ended, Andrew found himself carrying Eva to her room after she had dozed off in the car. He was so focused on the steady rhythm of her breathing and the way she nestled against him that he nearly missed the sound of someone clearing their throat.

“Mom?” Andrew asked in surprise, stopping in the hallway.

Vanessa’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “We wanted to surprise you both. What’s wrong with Eva?”

Andrew shifted slightly, adjusting Eva’s weight in his arms. “It’s… a long story. She’s just tired,” he explained, hoping to satisfy her curiosity.

Vanessa studied her son with a knowing look. “Take her to your room, Andrew.”

“What?” he asked, genuinely taken aback.

Vanessa’s tone was warm but firm. “A husband and wife should share a room. It’s about time, don’t you think?”

Andrew couldn’t argue. It was clear from her expression that this wasn’t a suggestion. Trying to act indifferent, he nodded and resumed his journey down the hall. But inside, he could barely contain his excitement.

Vanessa watched them go with a pleased smile and turned to her husband, Leonard, who was grinning knowingly. “I swear, Andrew is so in love, but he won’t admit it—his pride is in the way,” Leonard teased, slipping his arm around her shoulders.

Vanessa laughed, leaning into him. “Our son, is playing hard to get.” She sighed and added softly, “But I think Eva is exactly what he needs.”

Andrew suddenly reappeared in the hallway, smirking. “Get a room, you two,” he quipped, eyebrows raised.

Vanessa’s cheeks flushed with surprise as she gave her husband a playful push, before quickly retreating with Leonard chuckling behind her.

Once back in his room, Andrew looked at Eva on the bed, brushing a stray strand of hair from her forehead as she began to stir. Her eyes blinked open, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings with a dazed expression.

“This… this isn’t my room,” she murmured, still half-asleep.

Andrew leaned over her, his face calm but with a hint of a smile. “You’re in my room. It was my mother’s wish.”

“Mom’s back?” Eva’s face lit up with excitement, and she began to sit up. “I should go greet her—”

Andrew placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. “They’re… busy at the moment,” he said with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Eva’s face turned crimson as realization dawned. She quickly clamped her mouth shut, avoiding his gaze as he suppressed a laugh.

“Let’s eat,” he offered, leading her to the small table where a delicious dinner was already waiting.

Dinner was a quiet affair, both of them savoring the meal. Andrew caught himself glancing at her frequently, silently marveling at the way she had slowly woven herself into his life. Her presence felt as natural as breathing.

When they’d finished, Eva stood and stifled a yawn. “I’ll take the couch tonight,” she declared, moving to gather her things.

Andrew leaned back, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Absolutely not. You’re sleeping on the bed.”

She looked at him, wide-eyed. “Sleep with you?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Without another word, Andrew scooped her up and set her down on the bed, gently tucking the blanket around her. “Goodnight,” he murmured, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. Then, with a confident smile, he slipped into the other side of the bed beside her, stretching out comfortably under the covers.

The room fell quiet as the rain began to patter against the windows, and before long, a deep rumble of thunder followed. Eva closed her eyes and tried to sleep, but the thunder continued to roar, each crack lighting up the room briefly. She felt a familiar prickle of fear, her childhood fear of thunderstorms refusing to subside.

She glanced over at Andrew, who appeared to be sleeping soundly. After a few moments of hesitation, she slowly scooted closer, inch by inch, until she was right beside him. The warmth radiating from him calmed her, and she finally managed to relax, her eyes drifting shut.

Unknown to her, Andrew had been awake the entire time. He’d felt her presence drawing closer, her subtle movements breaking the silence. When he sensed that she’d finally fallen asleep, he shifted slightly and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. She instinctively leaned into him, nestling her head against his chest.

“Thank you, God,” he whispered softly, kissing the top of her head. “Thank you for bringing her into my life.”

The steady rhythm of her breathing and the scent of her hair filled his senses as he drifted off, holding her tightly, vowing silently to protect her, cherish her, and show her just how much she meant to him.