David opened his arms wide as Leo ran across the patio into his lap.
David: Hey buddy. Are you feeling any better now?
Leo looked around at the empty lawn and the tipped table.
Leo: Where did everyone go, Daddy?
David: They had to go home. It is just going to be you and me now.
Leo rested his head against David's shoulder in quiet relief.
Leo: Can we still have cake?
David laughed softly, feeling a giant weight lift off his heart.
David: We sure can, buddy. We will bake a brand new one together.
David stood up while holding Leo safely in his arms.
He walked inside the grand house and locked the big front door behind them.
He knew the legal battles with his ex-wife's family would start tomorrow.
They would fight over money, accounts, and business assets.
But looking at his son's bright smile, David knew he had made the right choice.
No amount of wealth or status was worth allowing his child to be abused.
They walked into the bright kitchen together and pulled out the baking ingredients.
For the first time in years, the house felt peaceful and real.
David helped Leo pour the flour into a big red glass bowl.
Leo giggled as flour dusted his little nose, making David laugh aloud.
They didn't need grand parties or fake family members to be happy.
Together, father and son were going to build a proper home full of love.