# Chapter - Meeting Lindy
Friday evening, Daniel pulled into the driveway at 5:45, fifteen minutes later than he’d hoped. Traffic had been worse than usual, and he was running on fumes—exhausted from the work week and facing a five-hour drive ahead.
Emma was waiting by the window, her small backpack already packed and sitting by the door. The moment his car appeared, she started bouncing.
“Daddy’s here! Daddy’s here!”
Kassie helped Emma into her jacket while Daniel came inside, looking tired but determined.
“Hey, gremlin. You ready for our adventure?”
“I’m so ready! I packed three butterflies to show Lindy, and my favorite coloring book, and—”
“That’s perfect.” Daniel glanced at Kassie. “Traffic was brutal. We’re going to hit the road pretty quick if that’s okay.”
“Of course. I pac
