Three months later, the routine had become natural. Daniel would arrive Friday evening, and Emma would fly out to greet him first, always claiming her spot in his arms. The older kids hung back—Marie eager but shy, Aaron pretending not to care, and Lee watching quietly, assessing every move Daniel made. Saturdays were filled with activities: the park, errands, movie matinees, or simply all of them piled into the backyard. Sunday mornings were slower—pancakes, books on the couch, Emma nestled between her parents, Marie asking endless questions, Aaron rolling his eyes but sticking close, Lee observing with quiet protectiveness. Then, by Sunday evening, Daniel would leave, and by Monday the nightly phone calls would resume.
“You know what I realized today?” Kassie said into her phone Thursda
