Chapter 250 Riley Also Participates
The Wilder Family Estate
Donovan got back from picking up Finley and noticed a notification on his phone, his brows furrowing.
On the way home, Finley seemed like she wanted to say something.
It had to be about the tree-planting event.
"Are you guys having a tree-planting event?" Donovan asked during dinner.
Finley nodded excitedly, glad her dad brought it up.
In the car, she had hesitated to mention it because he usually declined her class activities. She wasn't sure how to ask so he'd agree.
Seeing her hopeful look, Donovan guessed why she was so eager.
The kindergarten had these parent-child events before, but Donovan was usually too busy, and Finley, with her autism, didn't like interacting with other kids. He'd avoid these events.
But this time, maybe because of Landon and Winston, Finley was unusually excited.
As he thought about their influence on her, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
"I want to go," Finley said, looking at him with big, expectant eyes.
She hadn't seen Riley in a while and knew Riley would be there with the boys.
Donovan was surprised. Since Riley started avoiding him, Finley hadn't spoken much in front of him. But now, because of this event, she had spoken up her mind.
"Do you really want to go that much?" Donovan asked, frowning.
Finley nodded vigorously.
Donovan hesitated, remembering he had work that weekend. "How about next time? Daddy has work and can't go with you."
Finley's eyes dimmed, and she shook her head reluctantly.
She couldn't wait to see Riley.
Donovan frowned and tried again. "Landon and Winston will be there next time too. You can play with them then."
"No!" Finley pouted.
Seeing her so stubborn, Donovan felt a headache coming on.
Finley had always shied away from these events, and he thought they were unnecessary. They always agreed on that.
He didn't expect her to be so insistent this time.
Finley clenched her little fists, looking at him with hopeful eyes, hoping he'd change his mind.
But Donovan stayed silent for a long time.
Tears welled up in Finley's eyes, and she mumbled, "Riley..."
She wanted to see Riley.
Hearing her, Donovan's eyes darkened.
He'd been so busy he hadn't thought about Riley attending the event.
But then thinking of the way Riley had shunned him, he wondered if Riley would bring Landon and Winston or not let them go at all.
His phone lit up with a message from Zoey in the group chat. [No parents have messaged me privately, so I'll assume everyone is attending. This event will help strengthen parent-child relationships. Have fun, everyone.]
The screen dimmed again.
Donovan's heart stirred. He patted Finley's head and said, "Got it. Daddy will go with you."
