“What else did you and Daddy do today?” Marian asked as she gently poured warm water over Isabella’s hair, carefully rinsing the shampoo out.
They had just finished dinner.
And as usual—
Isabella had talked non-stop the entire time.
Every store.
Every snack.
Every game.
Every duck she almost chased.
Marian had listened to everything with a smile, occasionally exchanging amused looks with Daniel.
But now—
It was just the two of them.
Quiet.
Soft.
Safe.
“Did you feed the ducks in the pond?” Marian continued. “Or did you play more at the mall or the park?”
Isabella was quiet for a moment.
Too quiet.
Then suddenly—
“Daddy has a secret.”
Marian paused, her hand stilling slightly over Isabella’s hair.
“Oh?” she said carefully, trying to keep her tone light.
Isabella nodded,
