SUNDAY MORNING đ
Sunday morning arrived with a gentle hush over Ryan's house, the sunlight spilling softly through the wide windows. For the first time in a long while, Ryan felt the quiet pulse of happiness in his home. Emily, Clara, and Liam were already awake, bustling around with giggles and chatter. The air was thick with warmth, playful energy, and the kind of love that only family could bring.
Emily helped Liam into his tiny shoes while Clara fussed over every strand of her little brother's hair. "You need to sit still, Liam, or you'll ruin it!" she chided, but her voice was more playful than stern. Liam's mischievous grin said he was trying his best not to sit still at all.
Ryan entered the room, brushing back his own hair and smiling at the scene. "Looks like I'm going to need another cup of coffee just to keep up with you three," he said, kneeling to adjust Liam's tie.
"Daddy, Daddy, I can do it myself!" Liam protested, attempting to straighten it with tiny hands.
"You can try," Ryan said, laughing, "but if it looks like a spaghetti knot, I'm stepping in."
Clara rolled her eyes but giggled. "He's not listening anyway, Mummy Emily."
Emily crouched beside them, smoothing Liam's tie gently. "It's okay, little man. We'll make it perfect together."
The maids watched from a distance, their eyes soft with admiration. "She's so gentle with them," one whispered to another. "It's beautiful how she fits right into this home."
Emily blushed slightly but smiled, feeling a warmth that settled deep in her chest.
Morning Mass
By 8:30, the children were dressed neatly, hair combed, shoes polished. Emily held Liam's hand while Clara walked beside her, skipping lightly. Ryan followed, holding doors and adjusting coats.
At church, the little family found their pew. Liam whispered to Emily, "Mummy, I pray for candy!" Clara nudged him gently, whispering, "Sit properly, you'll get candy later."
Ryan leaned down and whispered, "You're learning, champ. That's good."
Emily squeezed his hand, smiling at the small momentsâthe playful innocence, the laughter contained within sacred walls.
Post-Service Fun â Lunch & Garden Play
After mass, they stayed back at Ryan's house for a leisurely lunch. The kids were boisterous, chasing each other around the garden while Emily served sandwiches and snacks.
Liam tripped over a small garden hose, shrieking in mock horror. "Mummy! I'm falling! Save me!"
Emily scooped him up, laughing. "Caught you! No more falling today, okay?"
Clara darted past, waving her hands dramatically. "I saved him first, Mummy Emily! Don't forget!"
Ryan watched, amused. "Looks like I'm outnumbered and out-saved."
Liam hugged Emily tightly. "Mummy Emily, you're the best!"
Emily's chest warmed. "And you two are the best helpers ever."
Even the maids and nanny joined in the laughter, watching as Emily naturally handled the children, their admiration clear in gentle smiles and nods of approval.
Movie Time & Relaxation
Later, the kids curled up with Emily on the living room couch to watch a short film. Liam's head rested on her lap, Clara leaned against her shoulder. Snacks were strewn about, and little hands fought over popcorn.
Liam whispered conspiratorially, "Daddy, can you make funny faces like the clown?"
Ryan obliged, making ridiculous expressions that had both kids in stitches.
Emily glanced at him, catching his eye with a smile. Her heart fluttered softly, feeling the unspoken bond between them deepen.
Preparing for School
Evening crept in, and the excitement of Sunday gave way to the quiet diligence of preparation. Emily carefully arranged Clara's uniform, smoothing every crease. Liam's lunch pack was neatly laid out with guidance from the maid.
Clara inspected the arrangement, nodding approvingly. "Perfect, Mummy Emily. I'll be ready for school in the morning."
Emily's brow furrowed slightly. "I just⊠I don't feel completely safe with the children taking the bus, Ryan. Would it be possible for one of your cars to be used?"
Ryan didn't hesitate. "Absolutely." He handed her a small car key. "Here. Take it. I'll hire a driver for tomorrow, so you won't have to worry."
Emily's eyes widened. "Really?"
Ryan nodded, smiling. "Of course. Anything to keep you calm."
Early Morning School Departure
By 6:30 AM the next day, the kids were dressed, hair neat, shoes polished. The bus pulled up, but Emily's heart raced slightly as she watched them climb aboard. Liam waved frantically. "Bye, Mummy Emily! Bye, Clara!"
Emily waved back, clutching Ryan's key in her hand. Julian, working from home, sent a teasing text: "Careful! Don't let them run off on you."
Ryan leaned against the doorway, quietly watching. The sight of Emily with the kids, fully in her element, brought a warmth he couldn't ignore. A sense of gratitude and contentment filled him.
Unexpected Call â Ryan's Father
As Emily returned inside to straighten the living room, Ryan's phone rang. Caller ID flashed a name that made his chest tighten: his father.
"Hello?" Ryan answered, voice calm but cautious.
"Ryan, son!" the deep, familiar voice boomed. "I'm coming from the U.S. for a break. I'll be staying for the month."
Ryan's eyes widened. A full month. He hadn't even told his father about the children or Emily. A rush of panic and mischief crossed his mind.
He called Julian immediately. Within the hour, Julian was at the house with coffee in hand, grinning.
"You look like a man who just got hit by a truck," Julian teased.
Ryan groaned. "My father's coming for a month. He doesn't know about⊠any of this."
Julian raised an eyebrow. "This is going to be fun. Should we make a strategy? Like, who hides the chaos first?"
Ryan chuckled despite himself. "Exactly. I need a planâhow to introduce him to the house without causing⊠mayhem."
They spread out across the living room, coffee in hand, plotting a careful, humorous, and tactical approach. They needed to prepare for the children's reactions, Emily's presence, and the sheer chaos that Ryan's father might stumble upon.
As the sun set, Ryan watched Emily organize toys with Clara and Liam, her laughter ringing in the air. He realized that whatever challenges lay ahead with his father's visit, his heartâand his homeâwere full.
And for the first time, Ryan felt ready for anything.