“…and that’s the end of chapter five.” I closed the book softly, letting my eyes scan the two small bodies curled up, each in their bed.
Liam let out a sigh. “Wow… that was so cool. Can you read another chapter?”
I chuckled, already opening the book again. “Sure—”
“No,” Emma cut in, her voice firm but not harsh.
She was perched on the edge of Liana’s bed, gently running her fingers through our daughter’s curls. She glanced at Liam. “You’re clearly tired. Stop trying to fight sleep and go to sleep, darling.”
Liam frowned. “But if I sleep, Daddy’s going to go away,” he mumbled. “Why can’t he stay with us?”
Emma let out a slow breath, and I could see her steeling herself. “I already told you, sweetheart. Daddy has a lot of things to do.”
Liam turned to me, eyes wide and searching. “What things, Dad? Are they more important than us?”
My throat tightened.
“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “Of course not. You and your sister… and your mum… you’re the most important things in the world
