Lily’s point of view

With the exception of the occasional motor noise, the drive to the restaurant was peaceful. Holding his favorite stuffed animal, Aiden sat in the backseat between Lucas and me. His small legs swung idly as he gazed out the window, seemingly satisfied from the prior experience.

I looked at Lucas, whose face was blank as he flipped through his phone. He didn't object when I recommended a smaller, more casual restaurant, even though I had half expected him to insist on taking us to one of the five-star restaurants he was obviously used to.

"Are you sure?" When we had arrived into the parking lot of...