"Be a good girl, Lottie. Why don't you go home with Daddy first? We'll wait for Mommy there. "
Trevon bent down to his daughter's level, gently coaxing Lottie.
But Lottie was set on it.
"I want to wait right here. Mommy will be sad if she doesn't see me. "
Lottie's small head drooped. She wasn't so sure herself.
Trevon scooped his daughter into his arms, his voice raw. "She's not coming!"
The words startled Lottie, her head snapping up in fear.
Trevon turned his face away, unable to meet her gaze.
He had to firm this time. His precious girl needed to face reality.
Lottie pouted, terrified her dad might say something she didn't want to hear. The little girl quickly nudged his arm. "Lottie's good. Lottie will go home with Daddy. "
Trevon's eyes flickered, hiding the ache
