A CALL TO MAX

Emma held her breath until she finally sat down with the couple. "How was your night, baby?" Smith asked, smiling with the kind of warmth that could melt anyone’s heart. "Fine, Daddy," Emma replied. Inside, however, everything felt twisted. The word didn’t fit her tongue, but it was how Olivia always answered their questions. Emma had nearly forgotten how it feels to have a father, a complete family. She sat within Laura’s reach, and the woman immediately brushed gentle fingers through her hair, smiling softly. There was pride in her eyes, quiet, full, and unrestrained. Her daughter and her husband were her whole world. Emma knew this for a fact, especially after the memory of the truth about the couple's love story that they had shared with their daughter. The affection warmed Emma’s chest unexpectedly as Smith placed plates in front of them. The two maids stood by with their heads bowed. "Thank you," Emma said the moment Smith placed the dishes down. Laura’s hand froze in mid-stroke.