The sun had set by the time Damon arrived home, casting a soft twilight over the house. The savory aroma of chicken tomato soup mingled with the faint scent of freshly baked bread welcomed Damon as he stepped inside the house.
He loosened his tie as he walked toward the dining room where he knew Emily would be seated for dinner.
As soon as Emily spotted him, she jumped up from her seat, her face lighting up with excitement. "Daddy!" she squealed, running to him with open arms.
Damon crouched down, enveloping his daughter in a warm hug. "Hey there, angel! How was your day?"
"It was great, Daddy! Jessy and I played outside and we even baked cookies and helped bake bread!" Emily beamed, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Damon smiled, straightening up and leading Emily back to the table. Jessica was already seated, her expression polite but guarded. "Good evening, Jessy," he greeted warmly.
