Five Years Later
“Daddy! You’re finally here!”
Isabella’s tiny voice rang through the hallway before Daniel even had time to knock. A blur of golden curls and pink sneakers came rushing toward him. She jumped — fearless, full of energy — and he caught her mid-air, laughing softly as her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.
“Whoa!” he chuckled, spinning her once before settling her on his hip. “How’s my princess? I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too, Daddy!” she said, pressing her little nose against his cheek. “Are we going to Grandma and Grandpa’s today?”
“Yes, princess,” Daniel replied, kissing her forehead. “Grandma and Grandpa have been asking about you every single day. They can’t wait to see you.”
“I missed them too, Daddy!” she said, her brown eyes lighting up — the
