“Daddy!”
Isabella’s voice cut through the afternoon air like a bell—bright, excited, unmistakable. Daniel looked up just as she broke free from Elise’s grasp and ran toward him, her little shoes slapping against the pavement, her hair bouncing wildly behind her.
He dropped to one knee instinctively, arms opening just in time to catch her as she launched herself into him.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he said softly, lifting her into his arms. He pressed a kiss to her temple, breathing her in like he always did, as if grounding himself. “How are you?”
“I’m good!” Isabella beamed, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
“She’s fine,” Elise said smoothly as she approached them. Her tone was light, practiced. “She just misses you.”
Daniel’s gaze lingered on Isabella’s face as he gently brushed h
