"Lucy, darling, Daddy is here," Christopher's voice rang out, gentle yet firm, as he knelt on one knee, opening his arms wide.
His sharp navy suit and silk tie gave him an air of authority, but all that melted away in the presence of his daughter.
His gaze softened as he took in the sight of her: a tiny figure sitting alone on the bench, her pink lunch bag clasped tightly to her chest, her small shoulders hunched in defeat.
Her head jerked up at the sound of his voice, her sad brown eyes locking onto his familiar face.
Her pout dissolved into a radiant smile, the kind that could light up his darkest days. Without a moment’s hesitation, she sprang to her feet, her little legs propelling her forward as she cried, "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!"
Christopher braced himself, grinning wide as she
