"But I don't want Daddy to leave." Hopey said, her voice trembling. "Daddy, can we stay with Uncle Mark together?"

Samuel knelt to her level, brushing her hair back gently. "Daddy has other things to do. How about this—you stay with Daddy tonight, and then you can be with Uncle Mark starting tomorrow, okay?"

After all, they would be leaving tomorrow. Tonight, he could still spend some quality time with his daughter and Eliana.

Hopey's face brightened at the compromise. ...