riki barely made it through the door before his little girl, aiko, toddled toward him on unsteady feet, squealing, “dada!” he dropped his bags and scooped her up, spinning her around. her giggles filled the air as she clung to his neck, tiny arms barely wrapping all the way around.

“you’ve grown, haven’t you?” he teased, pressing kisses to her chubby cheeks. “what did mommy feed you, huh? you’re heavier!”

you stood in the doorway, arms crossed, smiling softly. “maybe it’s just been a while since you’ve held her,” you said, your voice warm.

setting aiko down, riki pulled you into a tight hug. “i missed you both so much.” his voice was low, almost reverent, as if being away for months had made him treasure you and aiko even more.

aiko tugged at his pants, demanding more attention. “dada, up!”

he laughed, bending down to lift her again. “my princess, always stealing my time with mommy,” he joked, throwing a playful glance at you. you just shook your head, chuckling.

the rest of the evening was chaos. riki let aiko climb all over him, indulging her every whim: playing peek-a-boo, making silly faces, even letting her “style” his hair with toy brushes. his deep laugh mixed with her high-pitched giggles, a melody of pure joy.

later, after aiko finally dozed off in his arms, he tucked her into her crib with utmost care. turning to you, he found you watching them with misty eyes.

“you’re such a softie,” you teased as he walked over to you, pulling you close.

“how could i not be? look at what i have to come home to,” he murmured, resting his forehead against yours.

you sighed contentedly, your arms wrapping around his waist. “we missed you, too.”

for a moment, the world was just you three, a little family, tangled in love and the simplicity of being together again.