Chapter 85

The sun was already warm when we pulled into the park. Benjamin carried the picnic basket in one hand and Daisy’s kite in the other. I walked a few steps behind them, watching Daisy skip ahead in her little sneakers, her laughter spilling into the air like music.

It was one of those rare mornings when everything felt light. No appointments, no rushing, no worries pressing on my shoulders. Just us.

Benjamin glanced back at me, his mouth curving in that quiet smile that always settled me. “You okay back there?”

I nodded. “Just enjoying the view.”

His smile grew wider, and he adjusted the basket. Daisy spun around, her curls bouncing. “Come on, Mom! We have to find the perfect spot before other people take it!”

I laughed softly and hurried to catch up.

We found a patch of grass under a wide tree, its branches stretching over us like an umbrella. Daisy dropped her little blanket with a proud sigh, as if she’d chosen the most important place in the wor