The promise of more gifts sent the kids scattering like a flock of birds, rushing toward Ken with their hands outstretched. Their boldness made it obvious—Ken wasn’t a stranger here.

I sat up, smoothing my hair, still messy from the kids' ambush, and wiped my face, damp with their enthusiastic kisses.

Ken approached, handing me a tissue. “These kids can be a handful.”

“They are, but they’re adorable,” I replied with a smile. “Being ...