(Caroline’s POV)
"It's okay. Someone's just coming to visit."
The front door opens, and then I hear his voice. "Mom? You home?"
Aiden.
Charlie's whole face lights up—which is rare. He drops the blue block he's holding and scrambles to his feet, running toward the hallway.
I follow him and watch as my cousin comes through the door, gym bag slung over his shoulder, looking tired but happy. He's still in his coaching gear—whistle around his neck, school logo on his shirt—and he has grass stains on his knees.
The moment Aiden sees Charlie, he drops his bag and opens his arms wide. "There's my favorite little man!"
Charlie runs straight into those arms without hesitation, and Aiden scoops him up and spins him around. Charlie laughs—that precious, rare sound—and wraps his arms around Aide
