The sunlight that filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Sonoma house was too bright, too peaceful. I woke up with my neck stiff, in a huge bedroom that clearly did not remember how I got there. The last thing I remembered was sitting on the plastic-covered leather sofa in the living room. For a terrifying second, I didn't know where I was. Then, the rhythmic sound of the Pacific crashing against the cliffs brought it all back.
I had actually slept. Truly, deeply slept for the first time since the news of Asher's death. My heart ,my world had shattered .
"Mommy?"
I sat up, squinting against the glare. Leo was standing by the edge of the bed, clutching his favorite stuffed wolf. His hair was a mess of curls, and his eyes were wide and curious.
"Hey, baby," I rasped, reaching out to pull him into a hug. He smelled like sleep and innocence.
