The afternoon sunlight filtered through the garden, casting a warm glow over the picnic blanket as Lydia and I settled back into our spots.
Despite my initial frustration with Riley and Seraphine's unexpected presence, their antics had injected a surprising amount of joy into the day.
We were surrounded by an impressive spread of food cheeses, breads, fruits, and various pastries that Seraphine had apparently crafted herself.
A soft breeze ruffled the leaves of the garden, carrying with it the scent of freshly baked bread and blooming flowers.
"This is surprisingly peaceful," I admitted, biting into a slice of ripe peach. The juice dripped down my fingers, and I licked it off absentmindedly. "Even with the two of you still hanging around."
"Don't act like you're not enjoying yourself," Riley teased, her green eyes sparkling. She had settled into a comfortable position, her hand resting protectively over her belly.
