Riley POV
The moment the door opened, Sophie threw herself into my arms.
I barely had time to bend before her small body collided with mine. Her arms wrapped tightly around my neck, and she pressed her face against my shoulder as if she believed I might disappear again if she loosened her grip.
“Riley.”
Her voice broke.
I held her immediately.
“I’m here.”
“You left.”
“I know.”
“I told you to come home.”
“I heard your message.”
“Then why didn’t you?”
The question hurt.
I closed my eyes and pressed one hand against the back of her head.
“I needed time.”
“You had time.”
Behind her, Max made a quiet sound of agreement.
Leo stood near the doorway trying to look calm, but his eyes were already bright. He held a travel bag in one hand and his school project beneath the other arm.
