Chapter 86

The house smelled like food and warmth. Benjamin had insisted on cooking half the day, saying New Year’s deserved something better than takeout or simple pasta. Daisy had been bouncing between the living room and kitchen, stealing bits of vegetables when she thought he wasn’t looking, giggling when he caught her. I spent most of the afternoon helping where I could, setting the table, slicing bread, but mostly watching them with a kind of quiet amazement.

A year ago, I couldn’t have pictured this—being here, steady enough to stand in my kitchen, waiting for a new year with my family.

“Mom, taste this!” Daisy shoved a spoon toward me, the sauce dripping dangerously close to my sweater.

I leaned forward and took a small sip. “Mmm. That’s good.”

Her grin spread across her face like I’d just given her the world. “See, Daddy? I told you it needed more salt.”

Benjamin raised an eyebrow at her, shaking his head. “You’ve been my critic all day.”

“I’m the b