The first sign was the cancelled lunch.
Daniel had promised Nora pancakes on Saturday. Not a grand gesture just pancakes at the small diner two streets over that Nora had pointed at through the window one morning and declared looked perfect. He'd said yes without hesitation and Nora had talked about it for three days straight.
Saturday morning his assistant called.
Not Daniel.
His assistant.
"Mr. Blake sends his apologies. Something urgent has come up with the business. He'll reschedule as soon as possible."
Julia held the phone for a moment after the call ended.
Then she went to Nora's room where her daughter was already dressed her favorite yellow dress, hair brushed, bunny tucked under her arm and ready to go.
Julia crouched down.
"Baby," she said carefully. "Daddy had someth
