His heart sank as he took in the scene—half-eaten plates, the remnants of a birthday cake, and Lily’s tiny party hat resting lopsided on her head. Lily’s eyes lit up when she saw him, and she greeted him with the pure, innocent joy only a child could muster.
“Daddy!” she squealed, running to him and wrapping her arms around his legs. His ex-wife offered a polite smile, but Patrick could see the tightness in her expression, the unspoken disappointment in her eyes.