“It’s getting really cold,” she said gently. “You want to come over? We’ve got cocoa.” Lucas hesitated. He looked at Daniel, who didn’t say anything—just gave a small nod, almost like he was leaving the decision entirely up to him. “Sure,” Lucas said finally. “Okay.”
They walked across the narrow road and up a short stone path to a small yellow house with blue shutters and wind chimes that tinkled softly in the breeze. The porch smelled faintly of cinnamon and pine. Emilia opened the door without knocking. “Mom?” she called out. “We’re home!”