Arlene's POV
The girls insist they're not tired, but their heavy eyelids betray them as I work the brush through their silky hair. By the time I'm pulling back their covers, both are fighting to stay awake. Nicholson's tablet catches my eye, still connected to a video call with Rockford and Warner on the other end.
Calista carefully positions her teddy bear in the miniature bed next to Chocolate Sprinkles before climbing in beside Nicholson. When I'd asked her earlier why she no longer slept with her favorite bear, she'd explained matter-of-factly that he now sleeps with Sakura instead.
"Has the danger passed, Dad?" Rockford's voice draws my attention back to the screen.
Warner sets down Rockford's hairbrush and lifts him onto his lap, settling onto the edge of the bed. He wraps a towel around the boy's damp hair, gently drying it before applying a small amount of styling product.
