Amelia
"What are you doing here?" I asked, unable to hide my surprise.
Before Declan could answer, my children ran toward me and wrapped their arms around my legs. Alina looked up at me with innocent eyes and frowned slightly.
"Mom," she said softly, "why don't you like Uncle Declan coming around? He's really nice to us."
I swallowed and looked past them at Declan. He smiled calmly, as if he didn't know exactly why his presence made my chest tighten.
"I was just in the neighborhood," he said casually. "I saw your car drive by and tried calling you, but you didn't pick up. So I thought I'd stop by to check on you."
His tone was gentle, almost convincing, but I knew better. Declan never did anything without a reason. He always had a plan, and this visit was no different.
"Cut the youn
