“I’m sorry for making you worry, sweethearts. I’ll always come back, don’t worry. I just had a very busy day at work, so I’m late,” Emily apologized, gently taking both Cade and Opal’s hands. “Now, how about we go to bed?”

She glanced over at Emmett, who had been following her closely. He looked up with concern and said, “Mommy, I know you’ve had a tough day.”

Hearing his words, Cade and Opal quickly echoed, their voices filling Emily with ...