Xavier's POV
Setting up the table for breakfast, I found myself checking the clock repeatedly. Every second felt like an eternity. The plates were laid out, the coffee was brewing, and everything was ready.
Time passed, and still, there was no sign of Ashlyn. I drummed my fingers on the table, trying to shake off the growing unease in my chest. She was supposed to be back by now.
When there was no arrival of her, I grabbed my phone and called her. But the familiar ringtone echoed faintly from inside the house. My heart sank, finding she had left her phone behind.
I tried Even next, but the line rang endlessly before going to voicemail. Frustrated, I stepped out onto the porch. The snow had started falling again. I found it a soft, silent threat against her fragile recovery.
“God, do
