Sensing Mia's sadness, Brandon quickly shifted the focus.
"Lydia, it's bedtime now. You should go take your bath."
Lydia pouted, but her eyes lit up again. "I want Mommy to tell me a bedtime story!" she said, clinging to Mia's arm with hope in her eyes.
"Of course, darling. How about we read a story about Princess Elsa tonight?"
And so, with Mia's soothing voice filling the room, Mia and Lydia snuggled close as they drifted off to sleep, the story of the magical ice kingdom carrying them into dreams.
The next morning, as the alarm clock buzzed softly, Mia opened her eyes and glanced down at the little angel still fast asleep in her arms.
Just then, the door was pushed open, and Brandon appeared. He signaled that someone was waiting for Mia outside.
Mia carefully slipped out of bed,
