Mr. Harper!” she exclaimed, surprised yet delighted. Her brothers ran to her side, eyeing Richard curiously.

“I thought I’d check in on you,” Richard said, trying to sound casual despite the lump in his throat. “Is everything okay here?”

Lila nodded, though her eyes told a different story. Richard knelt down, meeting her gaze. “How would you and your brothers like to come and stay at my place for a while? Just until things get sorted out.”