James smiled, "She usually is." He wrapped his arm around her and guided her back into the house. It was all quiet, the kids still asleep. He led the way back into the kitchen. "If Thomas wakes up, I'll be able to hear him."

He started putting together the things to make hot chocolate but as he stood at the stove, he was careful not to put weight on his bad leg. Usually he was fine, but combined with the walk, then Amanda's arrival and all that had followed, it was starting to ache.