I shot an encouraging smile in Juliana’s direction as she wrapped her lips around the fork in my hand. After our session in the playroom the day before, I had soaked in a hot bath with her for a couple of hours before drying her off, rubbing her body down with lotion, and cuddling with her until I got her out of bed this morning.

“That’s my good girl,” I quietly praised. She smiled a little. I tucked her hair behind her ear. “Proud of you.”

James stormed into the dining room, breaking our tender moment. I jerked my head up to look at him, my free hand settling on...