Page 119 of Broken Destiny

Lucas looked around the restaurant with wide eyes. “We’ve never been to a buffet before,” he admitted, reaching for another piece of toast.

“You can eat anything you want here,” I told him with a smile.

Emma gasped. “Even dessert for bweakfast?”

A laugh escaped me. “I think your Mama might stop you before that happens.”

“Mama always says vegetables first,” Lucas said.

Emma sighed loudly and slumped back in her chair. “Mama ruins evwything.”

The table erupted into laughter while Jiya shook her head.

We enjoyed breakfast together while the children chatted happily between bites.

Afterward, we gathered our things and headed outside.

I grabbed the car keys, glancing at Jiya briefly to make sure she was comfortable before leading everyone out.

Geeta mentioned she had errands to run and would meet friends before joining us back at the house that evening.

The children climbed into the car, buzzing excitedly about animals and tractors while I pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the farm.

The second the large wooden sign came into view, they squealed, their laughter filling the car and drawing an effortless smile from me.

After finding a parking spot, we stepped out and walked to the entrance together.

“Welcome to Kinard Farms,” the owner greeted us warmly. He was a man in his late sixties with twinkling blue eyes and a welcoming smile. “My name is Jeffrey Kinard, and this is my wife, Rita. How are we today?”

“Excited!” Lucas bounced on the balls of his feet.

“I see pigs!” Emma shouted, pointing eagerly toward the barn.

Jeffrey chuckled at their enthusiasm.

“Fantastic. Gilbert will be your guide and photographer. The farmer’s market is at the end of the tour, and lunch will be served by 1 p.m.” He gestured for us to follow him inside. “Have a great time!”

I reached down and took Lucas’s hand, his small fingers curling around mine, while Jiya held Emma’s hand as we walked together toward the animal enclosures. The children’s giggles echoed through the open fields as they pointed excitedly at cows, pigs, and sheep before running after chickens that scattered wildly across the yard.

They were having the time of their lives, and to my surprise, I realized that I was enjoying it just as much.

I found myself taking photo after photo of the children, capturing their wide smiles and bright eyes, and then, almost without thinking, I turned the camera toward Jiya. I snapped several photos of her as she laughed with them, some she noticed and teased me about, and others she remained completely unaware of.

She was an incredible mother. There was no doubt about it.

I had seen how wonderful she was with Lucas back when we were dating, but now I could see the same tenderness, the same patience, and the same fierce love reflected in the way she cared for Emma.

“Time for the tractor ride,” Gilbert called out cheerfully.

I picked up Lucas first, lifting him easily and placing him securely on the tractor seat. Then I reached for Emma and settled her beside him, making sure both of them were comfortable and safe.

Jiya stepped closer and checked on them.

As she turned to step back, I moved behind her.

“Now, your turn,” I said.

Before she could protest, my hands were already on her waist. I bent my knees slightly and lifted her gently, supporting her weight with ease. Her body leaned into mine, and her hair slipped forward, brushing against my face like silk.