—Mabel—
The room fell silent.
Damian stopped building his tower of toast. Eloise froze with her cup halfway to her lips.
Three pairs of blue eyes settled on me, waiting.
I forced a smile.
“Oh, honey. You'll meet him soon.”
“When?” Eloise asked.
Mrs. Chukwuemeka and I exchanged glances. She silently asked if I wanted her to step in, but I gave her a subtle shake of my head.
“As soon as your father's settled down, sweetheart,” I said. “Remember I told you he works with the Space Force? He just got back and needs some rest. After that, he'll come and see us.”
Nathaniel frowned. “Promise?”
The innocence in his voice squeezed my heart.
“Promise.”
“Are we still seeing the city today?” Damian asked, already reaching for another slice of toast.
Eloise gasped. “Look, Damian! Your brid
