The silence that blanketed the sun-drenched marble terrace was absolute, broken only by the quiet, ragged sobs of three-year-old Caleb clutching his blue-threaded rabbit.

By 3:00 AM, the rain had stopped, leaving the grounds of the Whitaker estate smelling of damp pine and fresh earth.

Evan walked back into the guesthouse on the ridge. The house was quiet, lit only by the dying embers of the fireplace.

He walked down the hallway to the guest bedroom. The door was slightly ajar.

Inside, Grace was sitting in a wooden rocking chair between two small twin beds. Sophie was asleep in one bed, holding her stuffed rabbit, while Caleb was tucked under the covers in the other. Grace had fallen asleep in the chair, a book rested open in her lap, her face pale in the moonlight.

Evan stepped softly into the room, making no sound. He picked up a warm wool blanket from the chest at the foot of the bed and gently draped it over Grace’s shoulders.

Grace stirred slightly, opening her eyes. When she saw Evan, she started to sit up, but he placed a finger to his lips.

"Shh," Evan whispered. "Go back to sleep."

Grace looked at the children, then up at Evan. "Is it over?"

"The Vale family is finished," Evan said softly, kneeling beside Sophie's bed and gently brushing a strand of dark-blond hair from her forehead. "They will never come near my children again."

Sophie shifted in her sleep, opening her eyes groggily. She saw her father sitting beside her bed and reached out her small hand, touching the edge of his sweater to make sure he was real.

"Daddy...?" she whispered.

"I'm right here, sweetie," Evan said, wrapping his large fingers around her tiny hand.

"Are you going to wear the gardener clothes tomorrow?" she asked innocently.

Evan felt a lump form in his throat. He smiled warmly, shaking his head. "No, baby. I'm done hiding. I'm staying right here with you and Caleb. Every single day."

Sophie let out a long, contented sigh, her eyelids fluttering shut. "Okay... goodnight, Daddy."