Instead, she heard birds chirping outside, the distant sound of children playing, and something else singing. A child’s voice, slightly off-key, but enthusiastic, belting out what sounded like a song from a Disney movie. Rachel sat up carefully, mindful of her injured shoulder, and took in her surroundings in the full light of day.

The guest room was even more charming than she’d realized last night. The handmade quilt covering her was stitched in a pattern of stars and moons, clearly crafted with care rather than purchased from some high-end boutique. The walls held a few simple prints. A lighthouse, a sailboat, a sunset over water.

Nothing expensive, but everything chosen with intention. She checked the nightstand for her phone before remembering she didn’t have it. The realization sent a jolt of anxiety through her. She’d been tethered to that device for years, checking emails before her eyes were fully open, responding to messages before she’d even gotten out of bed.

The phantom weight of it in her hand was almost physical. A soft knock at the door interrupted her spiraling thoughts. “Miss Morgan, you awake?” Jack’s voice was quiet, respectful of the early hour. “Yes, come in,” Rachel called, suddenly self-conscious about her borrowed clothes and sleep must hair. “Jack entered, carrying a tray with coffee, toast, and what looked like scrambled eggs.

He’d clearly been up for a while. He was showered and dressed in jeans and a simple navy blue t-shirt. his hair still damp. “Figured you might be hungry,” he said, setting the tray on the nightstand. “Sophie’s already had breakfast and is currently teaching Mr. Hopscotch the choreography to some movie she watched last night.

Fair warning, she’s been asking about you every 5 minutes since she woke up at 6:30.” Rachel accepted the coffee gratefully, wrapping her good hand around the warm mug. “You didn’t have to do this. Bring me breakfast in bed like I’m some kind of invalid. You’re injured and you’re a guest, Jack said simply. Besides, I’ve been up since 5:30.

Old military habits die hard. This is actually me sleeping in. Rachel took a sip of coffee and nearly moaned. It wasn’t fancy, just regular drip coffee, but it was hot and strong and exactly what she needed. What time is it? Almost 8. I called the hospital and told them I needed a personal day. They weren’t happy about it, but they’ll manage.

Figured you might need some help sorting things out this morning. Jack leaned against the door frame, his posture relaxed, but his eyes assessing her with that medic’s attention to detail. How’s the shoulder? Sore, Rachel admitted. But better than yesterday. The ice helped. Good. I’ve got more ice packs ready when you need them, and your prescription should be ready for pickup at the pharmacy down the street.

But first, we need to figure out your immediate situation. Do you need to make any calls? I can lend you my phone. The thought of calling anyone filled Rachel with an exhaustion that had nothing to do with sleep. I should call my assistant Laura. Let her know I’m okay. She’s probably been trying to reach me since yesterday.

Probably been seeing news coverage, too, Jack said carefully. Airport incident involving a high-profile CEO and her CFO made the local news this morning. They’re not releasing names yet, but God, Rachel breathed, setting down her coffee. The board is going to lose their minds. Richard is probably already spinning this to his advantage.

And Andrew, she stopped, not wanting to think about what Andrew was doing or planning. One thing at a time, Jack said, his voice carrying that same steadying quality from last night. Eat something first, make your calls, then we figure out next steps. You can’t solve everything on an empty stomach.

He left her to eat and Rachel found herself once again struck by the simplicity of his kindness. No agenda, no manipulation, just straightforward care. She ate the eggs and toast mechanically, tasting nothing, her mind already racing through the complications of her situation. When she emerged from the guest room 20 minutes later, showered and dressed in her wrinkled business suit from yesterday, she found Sophie at the kitchen table surrounded by crayons and paper.

“You’re awake,” Sophie announced happily, abandoning her artwork to bounce over to Rachel. “Daddy said you needed to sleep because you had a very hard day yesterday. Did you sleep good? Do you like pancakes?” Daddy makes really good pancakes on Saturdays, but today’s Friday, so we had eggs, but tomorrow we can have pancakes.

If you’re still here, are you still going to be here tomorrow? Sophie, breathe. Jack called from where he was loading the dishwasher. Give Ms. Morgan a chance to wake up fully before you interrogate her. I’m not inter inner Sophie struggled with the word. Interrogating? Jack replied. I’m not that. I’m just being friendly. Right, Ms.

Morgan? Rachel felt something warm bloom in her chest at Sophie’s earnest face. You’re being very friendly, Sophie. And yes, I slept very well. Thank you. Your guest room is lovely. Daddy made it nice for when people visit, Sophie explained, tugging Rachel toward the table to show off her drawings.

But people don’t visit very much because Daddy works a lot and I have school and activities. But sometimes Aunt Marie and Uncle Tom come with my cousins, and that’s who was supposed to visit this weekend, but the storm canled their flight. That’s why Daddy’s home today because we were supposed to be away. I see. Rachel said, studying the drawings spread across the table.

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