Peter arrived home, the tension from the day still gripping him. Steeling himself, he knocked on the garage door, his smile carefully practiced. “Why don’t you and the kids come in for dinner tonight?” he offered. Natalie hesitated, then nodded gratefully. “That would mean a lot. Thank you.”
As they sat around the table, Peter kept the conversation light. Ben and Lucy giggled as they picked at their plates, their innocence momentarily easing his nerves. Natalie seemed more relaxed, sharing small anecdotes about her children. Peter, however, couldn’t stop rehearsing his planned conversation in his head.