I'll Always Catch You

VIVIENNE

When I saw Ezekiel standing there, my heart almost stopped. I had no idea he meant it when he wrote "see you soon" in that note. I thought it was just something people say, not something he actually planned to act on so quickly. But here he was, sooner than I ever expected, and I wasn’t prepared for it!

Seeing him now, looking so sure of himself, made me panic. I didn’t know how to handle this—how to handle him—especially not today.

"Uh, Ezekiel… what are you doing here?" I stammered with my eyes wide in surprise. I tried to keep my voice steady but I failed.

Vera wasted no time running up to him, throwing her arms around his legs. "Daddy! You made it!"

He scooped her up with that effortless charm, kissing her on the cheek.

"Of course, I did, princess. I wouldn't miss this for the world."

I stared at them, piecing it all together. Vera’s secretive behavior, Ezekiel showing up out of nowhere—it all made sense now. I turned to Vera, trying to keep my voice light. "You knew ab