Unbeknownst to Harper, Leonie had remained awake, and the soft exchange between Harper and Rachel had not gone unnoticed. As Leonie silently shut the door, she inhaled deeply, her heart heavy with a distaste to hear anything further.
It wasn't the first time Leonie had witnessed the way Harper's behavior changed when speaking about Rachel. It was as if the world had grown brighter for Harper every time the younger woman's name was brought up; her smile would grow wider and her eyes would light up.
And now, hearing the way Harper spoke to Rachel, Leonie couldn't help but feel the familiar ache in her chest. The softness and gentleness in Harper's voice, the way she seemed to hang on to every word from Rachel, was a stark contrast to the way she had always been with Leonie.