Delphinia stepped out of the car, holding Goldie's leash firmly in her hand while Ashton bolted out with his boundless energy. The golden retriever barked joyfully, wagging its tail so vigorously that it thumped against Delphinia's leg.
"Come on, Goldie!" Ashton called, his voice high-pitched with excitement as he tugged on the leash. Delphinia smiled, following him up the driveway.
"Wait for me, Ashton!" she called after him, laughing lightly as he dashed up to the front door. Her heels clicked against the stone path as she hurried to keep up, her free hand smoothing down her dress against the cool evening breeze.
The front door opened before they could even knock. Evander stood there in the living room, his tall frame leaning casually against the doorway leading into the house. He looked relaxed, though there was a tightness in his expression that Delphinia couldn't quite place.
