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We usher the kids into the kitchen, where a spread of fruit, crackers, and juice awaits. They dig in with gusto, chattering excitedly about their day.

My father appears in the doorway, a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. “There’s my girl.” He opens his arms, and I step into his embrace.

“Hi, Daddy.”

“How are things at the office? That new acquisition going smoothly?”

I nod against his shoulder. “Finalizing the details next week. It’s looking good.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you.”

My mother clears her throat pointedly. “Richard, let the girl breathe. She’s not here to talk shop.”

He chuckles, releasing me. “Of course, of course. Forgive an old man’s curiosity.”

She shoos him toward the table. “Now, sit. Spend time with your grandchildren.”

I hide a smile behind my hand. Some things never change.

We settle in, munching on snacks and listening to the kids regale us with tales from school. Nico goes into intricate detail about the robot he’s building in science class, his face alightwith excitement. Ava proudly talks about her latest art project, a collage of brightly colored tissue paper.

This. This is what I’ve always wanted. A family, a home filled with love and laughter. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. Ours.

The doorbell rings. Connor.

“I’ll get it!” Ava scrambles out of her chair, racing out of the room.

I round the corner just as Ava flings open the door, launching herself at the tall figure on the other side.

“Daddy!”

Connor catches her easily, swinging her up into his arms. “There’s my princess.” He peppers her face with kisses, eliciting delighted giggles.

Nico appears at my side, a wide grin splitting his face. “Dad!” He barrels forward, crashing into Connor’s legs.

Connor shifts Ava to one arm, reaching down to ruffle Nico’s hair with his free hand. “Hey, bud. Did you miss me?”

“Duh.” Nico rolls his eyes in a perfect imitation of his father. “You were gone forever.”

“A week, Nico. Hardly forever.” I step forward, my eyes locking with Connor’s over our children’s heads.

Heat simmers in his gaze, a promise of things to come. “Hello, wife.”

“Hello, husband.” I go up on my tiptoes to brush a kiss across his lips. “Welcome home.”

He leans into me, his forehead resting against mine. “Fuck, I missed you.”

I swat his arm, nodding toward the kids. “Language.”

A wicked grin curves his mouth. “Don’t worry, I’ll save the rest for later. When little ears aren’t around.”

Heat spreads through my whole body, already imagining his hands on me, his mouth hot against my skin. Even after all this time, he can undo me with words and a simple look.

“Mary? Connor? Are you going to join us or keep canoodling in the foyer?” My mother’s amused voice floats out from the kitchen.

My cheeks warm, caught out like a teenager. Connor just smirks, completely unabashed.

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