Chapter 83

Carla pushed open the front door, the soft creak blending with the cheerful giggles echoing from the living room. A warm smile curved her lips as she stepped inside, the familiar scent of home wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. There, on the plush living room rug, Liam sat cross-legged, his broad shoulders relaxed as he held up a stuffed giraffe, making exaggerated voices that had their one-year-old son, Dom, in fits of delighted laughter. Dom’s tiny hands flailed in the air as he squealed, his chubby cheeks flushed with excitement. Liam wiggled the giraffe again, his deep voice adopting a playful tone. “Mr. Giraffe says it’s snack time, Dom! What do you think?”