**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
The following morning, Sophie found herself enveloped in the comforting embrace of sleep, courtesy of a phone call from Helen. “The shop won’t be opening today,” Helen had informed her. The words were a relief, freeing Sophie from the usual morning rush. Instead, the shop was undergoing a transformation—a new window installation and a thorough professional cleaning were on the agenda, all in hopes of reopening the next day.
With an entire day stretched out before her, Sophie finally stirred awake around six o’clock, her body protesting against the early hour. She felt a surge of gratitude for the unexpected time off and decided that a grand breakfast was in order for everyone in the house. After all, they had been so generous in catering to her needs lately.
She rummaged through the cupboards, pulling out flour, sugar, and cinnamon to whip up a batch of cinnamon rolls. The sweet, spicy aroma that would soon fill the kitchen was enough to make her smile. As the dough began to rise near the warm oven, she opened the fridge, eager to see what other culinary delights she could conjure up. A quick inventory revealed a treasure trove of ingredients, and soon, her kitchen counter was a chaotic but delightful display of eggs, ham, cheese, and grilled onions, all waiting to be transformed into a massive baked omelet.
Sophie’s mind raced as she considered the ravenous appetites of her housemates. A stovetop omelet would never suffice, she decided. With determination, she set to work on two pounds of crispy bacon, two packs of savory link sausages, and two skillets brimming with golden, fried potatoes. Surely, this feast would be enough to satisfy their hunger. As an afterthought, she brewed a pot of rich, aromatic coffee to complete the spread.
Liam was the first to descend from the upstairs, drawn by the mouthwatering scents wafting through the house. His eyes lit up, and a broad grin spread across his face. “I knew staying here was the right decision last night,” he declared, stepping into the kitchen and immediately sampling the food. Sophie brandished a spatula in mock threat, but he was too quick, snatching a cinnamon roll and spinning away just in time. He took a bite, his eyes fluttering shut in bliss. “These are incredible.”
Moments later, Levi joined them, followed closely by Kyle. “Good morning,” Kyle greeted her cheerfully, while Levi merely mumbled a half-hearted acknowledgment, prompting a playful grin from Sophie. “Should we wait for Madison?” she inquired, glancing toward the staircase.
Kyle chuckled, shaking his head. “Not unless we want to wait until ten!” he teased.
“I heard that!” came Madison’s voice, slightly disheveled as she made her way down the stairs. She shot a glare at her husband, who merely laughed and stood up from the table.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said, his tone playful and affectionate.
She crossed her arms defiantly, maintaining her glare, but it was clear that her resolve was wavering. With a chuckle, he pulled her into a warm embrace, planting a kiss on her lips and murmuring sweet nothings. Sophie couldn’t help but smile at their exchange, diverting her gaze to give them a moment of privacy. Once Madison had a steaming cup of coffee in hand, she seemed to perk up, and Sophie took that as her cue to start serving breakfast.
Just then, the front door swung open, and Sophie’s head snapped up in surprise. Torin stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The guys greeted him with enthusiasm. “You’re just in time!” Liam exclaimed, his mouth full of cinnamon roll. “Sophie made breakfast, and it’s phenomenal.” He took another bite, groaning in delight. “You need to marry me, woman!”
Torin playfully smacked the back of Liam’s head, causing him to choke slightly, while Kyle erupted into laughter at the scene.
Sophie remained in the kitchen as Torin approached, and her heart raced at the sight of him. He was clad in a pair of well-fitted jeans and a black short-sleeved t-shirt, his hair still damp from a shower. She had only ever seen him in a suit before, and while he carried that look with confidence, this casual attire revealed a rugged masculinity that took her breath away. The shirt clung to his muscles in a way that made her heart flutter, and she found herself momentarily lost in admiration.



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