Arlene's POV
The ranch house buzzed with activity when we returned home. Cornelia in Wonderland decorations transformed the living room into a whimsical wonderland, while monster truck toys scattered across the floor clearly meant for Rockford. What truly touched my heart was seeing other children here. Not a crowd, but enough to make whatever celebration awaited genuinely enjoyable for the twins.
Both kids pressed close behind me as we stepped inside.
Nicholson clutched her enormous dragon protectively as two little girls approached, gift boxes cradled in their small arms. They paused before her, studying the massive toy with wide eyes. Nicholson slowly lowered her dragon, planting herself firmly in place. Though the girls appeared younger than her, their determination was evident, and my daughter never backed down from any challenge.
"That's a really big dragon!" the first little girl beamed at her.
