Daniel's birthday special lunch was served warm and bright, the table filled with Elena's love and the twins' chatter.
They ate, they laughed, they teased each other.
Family — loud, messy, perfect.
Later, all of them gathered in the living room.
Daniel leaned back on the sofa with a soft, proud smile.
"Thank you everyone for making this day so special,"
he said, voice full and warm,
"I love you guys."
Hope threw her tiny arms around him,
"I love you Daddy!"
Asher puffed his cheeks, not to be outdone,
"I love you more than her!"
Daniel laughed, pulling them close.
Miles sat nearby, watching quietly — warmth spreading through him.
Moments like this… he didn't get them for seventeen years.
He didn't take a single second lightly.
Then — buzz buzz —
his phone vibrated.
He glanced at the caller ID: Sterling Security Base.
Miles excused himself, stepping to the window.
"Yeah?"
The agent on the line sounded tense.
"Boss, you should see this…"
