Soren's Pov
I grabbed my keys off the breakfast table, the metal cool against my fingers. Catherine smiled at me as she finished tying her hair up, her movements easy and familiar. I reached for a happily babbling Esme, lifting her into my arms. I hugged her gently, breathing in her sweet, milky scent, letting it settle deep in my lungs like a comfort.
"I'll see you soon, my sweet girl," I grinned, nuzzling her soft hair before handing her back to Catherine. She took her with a smile that seemed even brighter than the morning sun streaming through the windows.
She adjusted Esme on her hip, and I leaned in to kiss her properly, feeling her smile against my lips.
"Be back soon," she breathed out as I slowly pulled away.
"I will," I whispered back, my hand sliding down her waist to her bum, giving a cheek a playful, gentle squeeze.
"Soren!" she squealed, laughing as she stepped back from me, a mock-scandalized look on her face.
