Chapter 68

“Mama!” Charlotte’s delighted squeal echoed through the apartment as Emma and Alek walked through the door.

Emma dropped to her knees, catching her daughter in a fierce hug. For a moment, holding Charlotte’s warm, solid little body, the grief felt manageable.

“Dada!” Frankie toddled over, arms outstretched for Alek, who scooped him up immediately.

“We missed you two so much,” Alek said, his voice thick with emotion.

Katie appeared from the kitchen, taking in their exhausted faces and the way they stood closer together than they had in weeks.

“How are you?” she asked Emma quietly.

“Getting through it,” Emma replied honestly. “One hour at a time.”

Katie nodded, understanding without needing details. “The kids were perfect angels. Well, mostly perfect. Charlotte may have convinced Frankie to help her paint the bathroom wall.”

“With what?” Emma asked, alarmed.

“Finger paints. Don’t worry, it all washed off.”

Emma felt a laugh b