Chapter 85

The sun peeked through the branches above, casting speckled shadows across the grass. A light breeze rustled the leaves, and in the sandbox, Lily and Jordan were lost in a world of towers and moats. Jordan looked up, sand clinging to his cheeks. “Mommy,” he called with a grin, “look! I made a castle for you!” I smiled, brushing my hair behind my ear. “It’s beautiful, sweetheart.” Just then, Jordan scrambled out of the sandbox and ran to me. His little hands grabbed my cheeks and he planted a kiss on my forehead. “I love you,” he whispered. “I love you more,” I whispered back, squeezing him tight. Susan approached from behind, her presence gentle but firm. “Alright, prince,” she said with a playful lilt, “back to your kingdom. Lily’s waiting.” Jordan hesitated, then turned and ran off with a carefree laugh. I watched him rejoin Lily, and a strange ache settled in my chest. He listened to Susan so easily. There was no resistance, no need for coaxing. Something about the way she guided hi