He refused to sleep unless his father was there.
Nora was about to come up with an excuse when Daniel spoke first, his tone calm and straightforward. “Your dad isn’t coming tonight.”
“Daniel.” Nora shot him a warning look and spoke softly, trying to stop him from saying more.
Payne’s eyes, already glistening, quickly filled with tears.
“I want Daddy,” he whimpered.
Nora felt a headache coming on.
But Daniel just scooped Payne up, gently wiping away the boy’s tears.
“Your dad has to work late tonight, so he asked me to take care of you.”
Work meant nothing to Payne; he didn’t understand, and all he wanted was his father. He choked on his sobs, looking utterly miserable.
Daniel remained unruffled, his voice low and soothing. “Didn’t you say you wanted to protect your little sister?”
Payne hesitated, then nodded. His crying quieted down a bit.
“Then you have to be brave. A real gentleman doesn’t cry over something small, right?”
“I’m not crying,” Payne protested, rubbing his eyes with his small fists.
But no matter how many times he wiped them, the tears kept coming, and he couldn’t stop himself from crying again.
Daniel’s heart softened. Fighting back a smile, he continued to comfort him.
“Your sister needs to sleep. Shouldn’t you stay with her and help her fall asleep?”
Payne thought for a moment, then nodded. “I want to protect my sister.”
He was supposed to be a big boy now. He had to protect his sister—and not make Mom worry.
“You’re amazing, Payne. Go on, keep your mom and sister company while they sleep.”
Daniel set him gently on the bed. Payne immediately cuddled up to Nora, clinging to her arm obediently.
Nora gave Daniel a complicated look.
He’d always claimed he didn’t like children, yet he was surprisingly good at handling them.
But then, children were simple. For someone like Daniel, winning them over was almost effortless.

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