The mall was a blur of noise and motion, but all Luke could focus on was the hollow panic in his chest. “Emery!” he called, weaving through the crowd, his voice sharp with fear. His eyes darted everywhere, scanning faces, searching for a little pink jacket and messy pigtails. When he spotted her, he nearly collapsed with relief. She was standing near a bench, clinging to a stranger’s leg like it was a lifeline.

Luke rushed over, crouching down beside her. “Emery,” he breathed, his hands on her shoulders. “You scared me.”

Her big, tearful eyes looked up at him. “I got lost, Daddy,” she mumbled, sniffling. “I know, baby, but I’ve got you now.” He wrapped her in a tight hug, his heart finally slowing down. Only then did he glance up at the stranger. She was kneeling slightly, her expression soft and kind. He nodded at her, his voice heavy with gratitude. “Thank you.” Emery tugged at his sleeve, her tiny voice breaking the moment. “Daddy, can we keep her?”

Luke blinked, startled, before letting out a shaky laugh. “Let’s just get you home, sweetheart,” , Emery leaned her head against his shoulder, whispering, “I liked her.” Luke huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “Yeah,” he muttered to himself. “I bet you did.”