Lennox's POV
The smell of vanilla filled the kitchen long before the timer went off.
When it finally did, Olivia jumped a little, like she'd forgotten the cupcakes were even there. I caught her wrist gently before she reached for the oven again.
"Let me," I said.
She didn't argue.
I pulled the tray out carefully. Perfect this time. Golden tops. Soft centers. I glanced at her, expecting a small victory smile.
She looked relieved. Tired. And happy.
"Ready?" I asked.
She nodded.
We carried the tray upstairs together.
The boys' room was loud when we entered. Levi and Louis were on the floor with them, and Aurora sat on the edge of the bed, smiling as Leon explained some dramatic story with wild hand gestures.
They all looked up when we walked in.
"Cupcakes!" Liam shouted, scrambling off the bed.
Leon ran straight to Olivia. "Mom!"
Their excitement hit me in the chest.
I set the tray down. "Don't thank me," I said quickly. "These are your mother's work."
