Elysia snapped out of her thoughts, ruffled the hair of the little one nestled in Baby''s arms, and waved at Pam Patel and the kids.

    After the hellos, she turned to the children.

    "Alright, have the best time today. But remember, after all the fun, tomorrow means back to preschool-no fussing, no whining. You''ve all gotta go."

    The mere mention of preschool triggered a chorus of mixed reactions.

    Baby''s face fell immediately—she hated being away from Mom and Dad, and she couldn''t even bring Lan along.

    Elliot and Elijah weren''t thrilled either. To them, preschool was for babies.

    Evan and Emmett, on the other hand, didn''t really mind. They liked meeting new friends and ying games. The only downside? Spending the whole day away from Mom.

    Still, whatever Elysia said, went. If it made Mom happy, that was enough.

    "If that''s what you want, Mom, we promise-we won''t make a fuss!" they chimed in unison.

    Elysia grinned. "Tomorrow, both Daddy and I will drop you off."

    "And Grandma and Grandpa, too!" came yton Hawkins'' cheery voice, emerging from the kitchen with a tray full of pancakes and bacon.

    Tarquin followed right behind, carrying a stack of scrambled eggs and toast.

    As soon as Elysia and her husband came downstairs, yton had hustled off to the kitchen to get breakfast ready, with Tarquin helping out like a pro.

    Elysia, with Baby in her arms, led the way to the dining room. "Dad."

    "Alright, kids, go wash your hands, breakfast''s ready! Eat up and we''ll head out after," yton called, his apron straining at the ties, his face beaming. Ever since he''d found his daughter again, the once-legendary sea captain had be a devoted family man-and he was loving it.

    After breakfast, the whole family piled out the door, a merry little parade.

    Lowell was already at the curb with a gleaming ck SUV, engine humming. Axel was there too, leaning against the car.

    But Axel wasn''t here for snowball fights or tobogganing-he was just looking for an excuse to slip away for a bit. Tarquin had saidst night: with them sticking close to home, certain folks were ying it safe. If the family went out, those same folks might finally make a move.

    "Mr. Lowell! Mr. Axel!" the kids shouted, rushing over.

    Lowell grinned and swooped down like he was greeting his own brood, arms wide open.

    Axel just stood by the car, all in ck athleisure, baseball cap pulled low, face impassive but somehow less chilly than usual.

    He was almost... approachable.

    Baby, on a mission, scampered straight to Axel and wrapped herself around his leg, looking up at him with big hopeful eyes.

    "Mr. Axel!"

    Axel, never one for hugs, awkwardly patted her head in what, for him, passed as affection.

    Baby piped up in her sweet little voice,

    "It''s been so long, Mr. Axel! Did you bring me a present?"

    Axel froze. Besides the odd birthday or Christmas gift for Elijah-and even then, always just an envelope with

    sh-he''d never bought

    presents for anyone.

    "Uh... I''ll owe you one next time," he mumbled.

    Baby pouted, her disappointment theatrical.

    "No present, huh..."

    Axel lookedpletely flustered, unsure how to respond.

    But before he could recover, Baby''s eyes sparkled with a new idea.

    "Then will youe with me to pick Ssom? She promised to gone

    up

    sledding with me, but

    with me, but there''s no one her. Let''s go together, okay?"

    Axel frowned. “She wants toe, she can grab an Uber."

    "Nooo, I want you toe with me!"

    "I''ll have someone else take you."

    "No! I want Mr. Axel! If you don''te, I''ll cry, I really will..."

    Axel

    Blossom had put Baby up to

    knew exactly what Blossom we

    thinking-he wanted no part of it.

    He opened his mouth to refuse, but Baby was already sniffling, her eyes going

    ssy with real tears welling up.

    He was doomed.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!