Franz carried Lexx up after the others had gone, Gilbert and Audrey first, then Julian wrangling a half-asleep Kyle into the back seat, then Nate, who'd stood in the driveway for an extra minute with his phone to his ear before finally pulling out. The house had gone the particular kind of empty that came after a full one, doors that had swung all evening finally staying shut.
The crib sat against the wall on Franz's side of the bed, close enough that he could reach it without getting up. He lowered Lexx into it inch by inch, one hand cradling the back of his head until the mattress took the weight, and waited through the small squirm and resettle before he straightened.
Arianne sat on the edge of the bed, dressed exactly as she'd been for dinner, hands folded in her lap, looking at nothing in particular on the far wall.
Franz crossed to her and sat down close enough that his knee touched hers. "How are you doing with it?"
