March 22nd – Valley Gardens, Harrogate
Jake checked his watch—8:23 AM. Early for most, but not for the Wilsons.
Emma was already by the car, loading the last of the picnic supplies into the boot, while Ariel clutched her stuffed fox to her chest, her wide, curious eyes taking in the world from her car seat. When Jake caught his daughter's gaze, she broke into a toothy grin that made the morning's gray skies seem irrelevant.
"She's been asking for 'whee slides' since six," Emma said, closing the boot with a soft thud. "I think someone's excited."
Jake smiled—not the measured, careful grin he reserved for press conferences, but the genuine one he saved for moments away from football's relentless pressure. He reached over and tucked a strand of Emma's hair behind her ear, his fingertips lingering against her cheek a moment longer than necessary.
"That makes two of us," he replied softly.
