It was Maria who spoke. “We want to stay with our fathers tonight. We love everyone, but we miss you, Daddy. Please?” She batted her eyes for effect.
Cody grinned and gave her a thumb’s up when Russell gave in. There was plenty of room in the chalet after all and the hot tub could wait for another day.
After dinner, Maria strolled over to Peter, held up her arms, and accepted the lift from her father. She wanted him to carry her to their cottage. He knew how Russell could so easily fall under their children’s charm. He kissed her cheek and they went along the darkened path.
* * * *