The couple greeted him, their excitement about the day clear on their faces, and then turned back to Kincaid. “Thank you so much for getting out here early. I think Daniela would’ve burst if she’d had to wait until the afternoon. She’s so excited about having her own room.”

“Mama, I can’t open the door!” Daniela shouted from the porch. “The key’s too hard.”

Kincaid swept her arm forward. “Let’s not make her wait another second.”

Mr. Gomez reached the door first and retrieved the key from Daniela. “Ready, little ones?”

The two kids bounced on their feet, and Ash couldn’t help but get swept up in their enthusiasm. Mr. Gomez opened the door, and the kids barreled in, all stomping feet and shouting voices as the adults followed behind. Ash entered last, trying not to get in the way. The house smelled of fresh paint and cleaning products, but everything was bright and airy inside. The wooden floors looked new, the windows were sparkling, and the baseboards were freshly painted white. A clean slate.

Mrs. Gomez put her hand to her chest as she looked around, and her eyes went shiny. She grabbed her husband’s hand, taking in the view. “It’s all ours, my love. Finally.”

The way he smiled at her, with such affection and appreciation, took Ash’s breath for a second. Mr. Gomez leaned over and kissed his wife. “Yes it is, mi alma.”

Ash caught Kincaid watching the couple, a tender expression on her face. She glanced at Ash and smiled before turning back to her clients. “Congratulations, you two. I hope you’ll make many happy memories here.”

The couple turned, smiling and thanking Kincaid for helping them find the perfect house, but before they could finish, Daniela was back and grabbing Kincaid’s hand.

“Ms. Breslin,” she said, tugging on Kincaid’s arm. “Come see my room.” She glanced at Ash. “You can bring your boyfriend.”

“He’s not—” Kincaid started, but she was helpless in the face of the little girl’s determination. Daniela was already pulling Kincaid down the hall. She sent Ash an apologetic look.

Ash chuckled and followed.

They stopped in front of a small room with a big window that looked out into the backyard. The walls were painted pale yellow. Daniela released Kincaid’s hand and then spun around in the middle of the room with her arms out. “Isn’t it soooo pretty?”

Kincaid beamed, clearly enchanted by Daniela. “It’s the prettiest room I’ve ever seen. How are you going to decorate it?”

Daniela stopped and considered, her little mouth pursing. “Like a princess castle? Or a unicorn cloud? Or, or, maybe a superhero lair!” She frowned. “Can I do all three?”

“A lair for a superhero unicorn princess,” Ash said. “That’s a winner.”

Daniela clapped and then went back to Kincaid to give her another tight hug. “Thank you for my room.”

Kincaid stroked her hand over the little girl’s silky hair. “I’m not the one to thank. Your mommy and daddy got this room for you. I just helped them find the perfect one.”