With that, Mira finally left with the kids, their voices fading down the street as they bickered energetically over which cake had been better. The bell above the café door jingled softly as it closed behind them, leaving a lingering echo of laughter and tiny footsteps. Livia lingered by the window, watching the street empty, savoring the sudden hush that settled over the café—until Jason's voice pulled her back to the present.
"So…" he said, leaning casually against the counter, arms loosely folded, a faint crease knitting his brow. "Looks like your sister approves of me."
Livia let a small smile slip, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "She does. That… wasn't easy to earn."
