Lawrence pulled up outside The Hamilton and stepped inside. Down in the living room, the only ones around were Jasper, crouched on the floor with a toy car, and the housekeeper tidying up nearby.
The second Jasper spotted him, he dropped the car and sprinted over, his little legs moving as fast as they could go. He hugged Lawrence tightly, peering up with sad eyes.
“Daddy,” he asked, his voice small and wobbly, “are you all going to leave Jasper now?”
Lawrence crouched down, ruffling Jasper’s hair. “Of course not, buddy. Daddy just had a lot to do, so I couldn’t come home. But didn’t you have Grandma and Grandpa and Mommy here with you?”
Jasper thought for a second, tilting his head. “And Jackson! Daddy, Jackson gave me this car.” He held up the toy, his face lighting up instantly.
Lawrence’s gaze lingered on the toy’s brand logo. He fell quiet for a moment, then scratched gently at Jasper’s dark, shiny hair. “Do you like Jackson?”
Jasper nodded without even a pause. “I do. I like everyone who plays with me.”
Lawrence smiled and glanced around. “Where is everyone? Grandma, Grandpa, Mommy?”
Jasper’s words were clear for a three-year-old. He pointed a tiny finger upstairs and tugged on Lawrence’s hand. “Grandpa went to work. Mommy’s dancing. Grandma’s sleeping up there.”
Lawrence patted his back. “Alright, go play. Daddy’s gonna check on them.”


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