CHAPTERNINETEEN
Melody
“....And Rapunzel let her long hair down through the window for Flynn to climb up. It must have been painful, but mommy says it’s because love over... overshadows everything else. Anyway...”
I stop wiping the dining table and turn to study the scene in front of me.
Abram and Ella are seated face to face on the couch. Ella keeps telling her story with animated expressions and exaggerated hand gestures while Abram listens with rapt attention.
He seemed genuinely interested in Ella’s story, his eyes lighting up with joy at the happy parts and narrowing in discontent whenever the hero suffers.
This moment, right here, gives me a glimpse of the type of dad he will be. The kind type who’ll genuinely love and care for his children.
These days, I’ve become so used to the incredible feeling of happiness that I can’t seem to remember how I survived without it before. Abram makes me happier than I’ve ever been, and these past weeks with him have been the best of my life.
Yet, it gets better every day.
I chuckle happily to myself as a giddy feeling spreads across my chest. I shake my head and take a deep breath.
Focus, Melody.
I clear my throat loudly, earning myself the attention of the two on the couch. They both turn toward me simultaneously, with similar expressions of impatience on their faces.
“El, it’s time for your nap,” I say, walking toward where they’re seated.
Brenda left strict instructions before she left on her date with Daniel.
She has to sleep in the afternoon at two. Make her lie in bed even if she complains she doesn’t feel sleepy.
I’d just been happy to shoo her away. I’m so glad that Brenda has found love with Daniel and is finally getting the break she deserves.
“But Aunt Mel,” Ella says with a pout. “I don’t feel sleepy. Besides, Uncle Abe wants to hear the end of the story, right, Uncle Abe?”
“Of course,” Abram says with an eager nod, then clears his throat and looks away when he catches the warning look in my eyes. “Maybe...maybe some other time, then.”
It’s hilarious how disappointed he sounds saying that. I bit back my smile and turn to Ella.
“See? You can tell Uncle Abe the rest of the story later.”
“I don’t want to nap, though,” Ella says with a deep sigh and raises her eyes to mine. “Please...”
I almost fall for her puppy eyes, but I shake my head strictly.
“No. Come on, let’s go.”
Ella sighs sadly but places her hand in mine without further argument. I take her into my room and make her lie in bed. I pull the covers over her and place a soft kiss on her forehead. She’s asleep in a matter of seconds. I snicker softly and shake my head.
I return to the living room to find Abram flipping lazily through the TV channels. He seems to notice my presence because he turns his head toward me.
“Is she asleep?” he asks with a fond smile.
“Yes,” I reply, going to sit beside him. “She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.”
Abram chuckles softly. “To think I believed her when she said she didn’t feel sleepy.”
I laugh softly. “You were wonderful with Ella,” I say after a few minutes of comfortable silence.
Abram shrugs easily. “She’s a delight.”