Roxanne was stunned, instinctively recalling the sudden kiss on stage at the mention of Sleeping Beauty.

“Ms. Jarvis?” Jerking from her reverie, Roxanne forced a smile at Estella before telling the child the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Estella listened intently and soon fell asleep.

Covering the child with a quilt, Roxanne lay down beside her. Though physically tired from a long day, her mind was restless as she closed her eyes. She couldn't help blaming herself, despite finding Benny. Estella's mention of Sleeping Beauty kept bringing back the kiss from the play, a thought she couldn't shake.

After an indeterminate time, Roxanne still couldn't sleep. Seeing it was almost midnight, she got out of bed and went downstairs. Perhaps some red wine would help, she thought, remembering a few bottles at the bar.

Emerging from her room, she frowned at the brightly lit downstairs. Lucian was alone. Awake too? She slowed, hesitant to face him at that hour.

As she debated returning to her room, Lucian's voice sounded. "Can't sleep, Ms. Jarvis?"

Roxanne paused. After a long hesitation, she went down. "How did you know it was me?"

Lucian sat on the couch, working. He looked up. "I heard the door. The children are asleep; you're the only one left." Roxanne nodded. "Aren't you finished with work?" she asked politely.

"Yes. And you? Why can't you sleep?"

Roxanne frowned, unsure how to broach the subject. Besides losing Benny, the other reason was harder to discuss.

Before she could speak, Lucian said, "Are you still upset about Benny?" His eyes remained fixed on her.

Roxanne hesitated before nodding. Lucian's eyes softened slightly. He'd expected this; she hadn't looked well after Benny went missing, and he'd anticipated her sleepless night.

Silence fell. Roxanne felt awkward, clearing her throat to speak, but Lucian continued, "It wasn't your fault Benny went missing. It was my fault for not keeping a closer eye on you all. You don't have to blame yourself. Something like this will never happen again."

His words surprised Roxanne. He sounded as if they would be living together, sharing responsibility for the boys. The thought had only briefly crossed her mind.

Roxanne quickly composed herself. "I appreciate your gesture, Mr. Farwell, but there's no need to take all the blame. I'll take better care of my children."