CHAPTER 61

Gabe's POV

As the laughter died down, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. This was everything I'd always wanted - my kids happy, carefree, and connected to me.

But as I looked around the room, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing. Emma.

It was strange without her. I'd always wanted to connect with my kids, to be the father they deserved. And now, here I was, experiencing that connection, but it felt incomplete without Emma by my side.

I remembered the countless times we'd shared moments like these, the laughter, the joy, the sense of family. Emma had always been the glue that held us together, and without her, everything felt slightly off-kilter.

I pushed the thoughts aside, not wanting to ruin the moment. But as I looked at my kids, I knew I couldn't ignore the elephant in the room. Emma's absence was felt deeply, and I knew I needed to find a way to address it.

For now, though, I just smiled, trying to savor the moment, imperfect as i