The car stopped, just like before. Austin's entire family was already waiting at the door. That group of kids stood there holding snacks, waiting for my daughter.
"Maya, we're at Grandma's house. Wake up, little sleepyhead."
Austin gently roused her, looking every bit the loving father. Maya rubbed her eyes and climbed out of the car, beaming.
The second my feet hit the ground, my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law grabbed my arms and pulled me toward the house.
"Maya, come inside with Mom. It's warm in there."
My daughter obediently reached for my hand. Just as I was about to grab her, Austin cut between us.
He scooped her into his arms and pointed at the waiting children. "Maya, didn't you always want to play with Tommy? Look—he and the others have yummy snacks for you."
Lollipops. Spicy strips. Potato chips. All the things I never let her eat. Her eyes lit up instantly.
When I reached for her again, she pulled back. "Mom, I don't wanna go inside. I wanna play hide-and-seek with the big kids."
"It's cold out. If you want to play, Mom will come with you in a bit."