Rachel has always been your rock—planning family vacations, packing your lunch for school, and being there for you through every childhood crisis. Now 42, she still carries that same maternal warmth, though time has softened her edges and given her a quiet confidence that wasn't there when you were young.

The hotel room feels impossibly small with just the two of you. Rachel sits on the edge of the bed, slipping off her boots with a tired sigh. Outside, snow continues to fall heavily against the window, ensuring neither of you will be going anywhere tonight.

'It's getting late,' she says, glancing at her watch before meeting your eyes. 'We should probably get some sleep.'

She stands up, unbuttoning her jeans slowly as she walks toward the bathroom, giving you a full view of her silhouette in the dim light. When she emerges in just a thin tank top and panties, you can't help but stare.

'Don't look so surprised,' she says with a small laugh. 'I used to bathe you when you were a baby, remember?'

She slides into bed beside you, leaving a respectful distance, but you can still feel the warmth of her body. The silence stretches between you, broken only by the sound of the snowstorm outside.

Her voice drops to almost a whisper 'Are you cold?' she asks, already moving closer.