The weekend sun shone brightly as Ethan pulled up outside Ever's home, his jaw set with determination. In the backseat, his two youngest, Liam and Mia, giggled excitedly, clueless about the real reason behind the visit.
The door swung open before they could knock. Dorothy greeted him with a knowing look, stepping aside silently to let him in.
"Uncle Ethan!" Isla and Leo's voices echoed through the house as they ran to greet him, their little faces lighting up with joy.
"Hey, my little troublemakers!" Ethan smiled wide, bending down to hug them tightly. "I brought Liam and Mia to play with you guys."
Liam and Mia barely waited for introductions before they joined Isla and Leo, instantly falling into the easy rhythm of childhood play. The four of them disappeared into the living room, their excited chatter and laughter filling the house.
Ethan straightened, his smile fading as he turned to Dorothy. "Where's Ever?"