-- Alexander --

Leo peeked out from behind Margaret. His big eyes landing on mine. I knelt down to his level.

"Hey." I said softly. "You okay?"

He nodded slowly. "She was yelling a whole lot."

"I know, buddy. But it's over now."

He sprang forward and hugged me tight around my neck. I closed my eyes for a split second, enjoying the way he showed his appreciation and somehow wishing he would even hold me longer than that as if trying to show me that he loved me more than words could ever admit.

When he chose to release me, I stretched out my hand. "Where's mommy's phone?" It...