Kate
Alex left four days ago. He promised he’d check in regularly while he was away.
Emma was telling me something about the storybook my father had brought her when the doorbell rang.
Since Martha wasn’t home, I slowly got up to answer it.
I opened the door—and froze.
“Daddy…? What a surprise. You didn’t tell me you were coming,” I said, a little breathless.
He walked in, his voice low and brooding.
“To meet my granddaughter, I don’t need permission.”
I closed my eyes for a second, swallowing my pride. Of course, that’s how he’d put it.
“Daddy, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m happy you’re here.”
He walked over to Emma and picked her up with ease.
“Hi, baby. How are you? I came to pick you up—you’re going to stay at my house today. I even brought you a surprise gift.”
I stiffen
