Almost too naturally.

I kept glancing toward the gate.

Ethan suddenly appeared holding a neatly wrapped gift.

He looked at Clark seriously.

“When Dad gets here, can you give this to him? It’s from us kids.”

Clark glanced toward me before accepting it.

“Sure, Ethan. Whatever you need.”

I almost asked what was inside.

But Ethan disappeared before I could.

At that exact moment, the front gate opened.

Jordan walked in confidently with one hand resting against Percy’s back.

She wore a designer dress that probably cost more than I spent on groceries in a month.