The breakfast dishes had barely been cleared when Danelle rose from her seat, pressing a soft kiss to each of her children's cheeks.
"I have to head out, sweethearts," she said, smoothing Olivia's hair. "I'm already cutting it close for a meeting."
Ethan nodded solemnly. "Good luck, Mommy."
"I'll see you after work," she said with a smile and grabbed her handbag, already making her way toward the foyer.
"I'm going to the office too," Ashton's voice came from behind as he stood up and adjusted the cuff of his shirt. "I'll drop you off."
Danelle turned slightly, her smile fading. She gave him a sharp glance—cool, composed, but unmistakably irritated. "That won't be necessary," she said quickly. Her tone was even, but Ashton caught the ice behind it.
She turned and walked out of the dining room, Ashton following just a few steps behind.
