Claire spotted me first and made her way over, her eyes warm. "Husband," she said softly, her voice carrying that familiar affection, "I want to go and meet my daughters."
I nodded without hesitation, my voice firm but warm. "Of course," I said to Claire, "Take Yelena with you." Claire's face lit up with gratitude, her eyes shimmering with excitement as she turned to Yelena, who was already bouncing on her toes.
"Come on, sweetie! We're going shopping!" Yelena let out a delighted squeal, and the two of them hurried out, their laughter lingering in the air.
Before I could even reach for my coffee, Stella approached, a plate of breakfast in hand. "Here you go," she said, her voice warm as she set it down in front of me.
"You've been skipping meals again. Eat." Her tone was teasing but firm, the way only she could manage—like a mother hen who wouldn't take no for an answer.
