Her overnight bag sits by the door, rabbit tucked safely inside, zipper closed with solemn attention, and I gather it to bring it downstairs with her.
When we step into the foyer, Raf is already there, though he’s supposed to be caught up in meetings for most of the day—despite it being the weekend.
He’s leaning against the wall, arms folded loosely, dressed down in dark jeans and a soft sweater that makes him look disarmingly normal—not a strategist, not a Don.
Right now, he’s just a man waiting to say goodbye to a child he has no known obligation to show any kind of care and affection for, like he has this weekend.
Riley sees him and grins. “Dragon!”
He pushes off the wall, eyes lighting as he gives her a formal bow. “Brave knight.”
She runs to him and wraps her arms around his thighs without hesitation.
He freezes for half a second, surprised, then laughs softly and hugs her back, one large hand resting gently between her shoulder blades.
The tenderness of it hits me square in the chest.
He kneels to her level. “You heading home?”
She nods. “But I’ll be back.”
“I’ll be here,” he says. “We’ll keep the castle safe.”
She considers that, then leans in and whispers something in his ear.
His brows lift, and his mouth curves into a quiet smile as his eyes find mine.
Then they shift quickly back to the little girl before him.
“I promise,” he says solemnly.
She seems satisfied.
When Riley finally lets go of Raf, she turns and hugs me next, fierce and unselfconscious, and I scoop her into my arms to carry her outside.
My parents are waiting by the car, giving us space to say our goodbyes.
“I love you, Sissy,” Riley whispers, her tiny arms tight around my neck.
The words land hard and deep.
“I love you too,” I manage.
Then I’m planting a wet kiss on her cheek before I pass her off to my mom.
Riley waves before she climbs into her car seat.
I wave back, my heart heavy, my throat tight, and I keep waving until the car disappears down the drive.
The silence that follows is deafening.
I stand there for a moment, staring at the empty driveway, my chest hollowing out as the reality of it sinks in.
The house feels too big again, too quiet, and tears come fast and humiliating.
Turning away, I press my hand to my mouth, but it’s no use.
A sob slips free, sharp and raw.
