Chapter 11 Dylan's face flushed crimson before her . Jennifer's heart raced wildly out of control . Leaning against his solid shoulder did bring a sliver of security . Tina kept marching ahead before turning to urge them . " Big sis , Úncle , why are you lagging behind ? Hurry up and follow Tina ! " On the way back , Dylan carried Tina the whole journey , neither noticing when she'd fallen asleep . They entered the car one after another , Dylan settling in the front seat with a slight forward lean . Only after the engine started did he speak . " Thanks for playing with Tina . today . It's been ages since she's been this happy . " Jennifer offered a faint smile . " I enjoyed myself today too . " These past days had gifted her a sense of security absent in her previous life . Since meeting Dylan , she'd finally begun sleeping soundly . After that day , sometimes on visited more frequently - sometimes with Ti Each time , he brought Jennifer something : small flowers to decorate the shop , a box of handmade cookies , or freshly blended calming tea . Chapter 11 Jennifer gradually grew accustomed to this companionship . Sometimes , just seeing Dylan and Tina enter life she yearned for- bookstore made her feel this was the Simple , steady , and brimming with warmth . One rainy night , as Jennifer cleared tables to close up , the doorbell chimed unexpectedly . " Sorry , we're closed . " Before her thoughts could settle , she saw Dylan drenched at the door , holding feverish Tina in his arms . " Apologies for disturbing you so late . " His voice trembled . " Tina's burning up . She kept insisting you tell her a story . " Jennifer hurried them inside , brewing ginger tea for Dylan . She took the scorching child , heart aching at Tina's flushed , smiling face . " Don't be scared , Tina . Big sis is here . Shall I tell you a story ? " Though burning with fever , Tina mumbled , " Okay. " That night , Jennifer stayed by Tina's side , spinning tales . Dylan sat nearby , watching them with soft eyes . When Tina finally slept , the rain still hadn't ceased outside . Moonlight filtered through the curtain gap , casting a silver band across the floor . " Truly , thank you today . " Dylan whispered . Jennifer shook her head . As she rose , dizziness struck , making her stumble . Dylan steadied her swiftly . Looking up , she realized how close they stood . Both flushed silently , locked eyes without a word , then glanced away . Bathed in moonlight , their proximity felt intensely intimate . " You're soaked . Go shower , " Jennifer said , glancing at Tina sleeping peacefully upstairs . " Th - that's not really proper . " Nonsense . If you catch fever too , who'll care for Tina ? " She fetched him a towel without another word . Dylan nodded , draping the towel over his shoulder before heading to the bathroom . Steam soon curled out , fogging the room with warm mist . The bathroom door swung open , and Dylan emerged from the steam - filled haze . Chapter 12