Bea’s birthday party is happening at the local park of the town. They’ve cornered off a gazebo, with multiple picnic tables under the roof of the area. Presents sit stacked on two of them, taller than any of the kids.
Derek and Tris are at the table with the cake and snacks.
“Miss Esme!” Tris cries out, clapping her hands as she jumps down from the picnic table. She runs up to me and I bend down to hug the toddler.
“How’re you doing, hon?” I ask, lifting her up in my arms. Tris wraps her little arms round my neck.
“I missed you!”
“Oh, I missed you, too. But I’m here!”
I put the toddler back down, and she turns to her father. “Daddy, look!”
I give a subtle smile to my boss, giving a short wave. “Hi, Derek.”
He gives
