The soft creak of the door opening drew Aurora’s attention from her toys. Sunlight streamed through the open window. The moment her eyes landed on Elena, her entire face lit up.
“Elena!” she squealed, raising to her feet.
Elena barely had time to brace herself before the little girl threw her arms around her waist in a tight hug. “I’ve missed you,” Aurora whispered into her side.
Elena smiled, her heart swelling painfully. “I’ve missed you too, sweetheart. So, so much.”
Aurora looked up at her, then turned her gaze to Leonardo standing just behind Elena. “Thank you for bringing Elena back, Daddy,” she said, her voice full of innocent gratitude.
Leonardo’s chest rose and fell as he walked closer and ruffled her hair gently. “You’re welcome, baby girl.”
There was a beat of silence befo
