She nods, smiling from ear to ear. I brush all my hair to the side and let her pull at my locks.
She smiles, entertained.
“You want me to continue the story?”
“Yes,” she says, playing with my hair.
We start our little reading session, and by the time Jaden comes back and takes a seat in a chair next to us, Emma’s eyes are glued to me, her fingers woven in my hair.
I feel Jaden’s stare, and it takes me an extra effort to remain focused on the story and not get distracted by him.
Every time I glance at him, his eyes glint with a soft smile.
“Are you okay?” I ask, trying to conceal my emotions.
He nods.
His eyes slip to Emma.
“Are you getting sleepy, baby bear?” he asks, his voice mellow like a lullaby.
Emma nods against my chest.
A warm grin creases his lips while his eyes sparkle, full of love for her. My mouth pulls slightly agape as I take in the tenderness flowing through his eyes.
“Time to take a nap then,” he says.
“Senna... nap...” she says, happily clapping her hands again.
He scoops her up from my arms and glances at me.
“Senna doesn’t take a nap... Not now, anyway,” he says, winking at me.
Blushing, I fidget, grappling with restlessness again.
Without adding anything else, he holds Emma against his chest and bends over, placing a feather-like kiss on my lips.
I melt into my chair.
“I think I may have the cure for your emotions,” he says, winking at me again, and my face gets even warmer.
They stroll away, and I finally begin to breathe.
Emma waves me goodbye while he keeps telling her something while nuzzling her face, making her laugh. She eventually locks eyes with him, and I may need a box of tissues.
What the fuck?
As the day recedes and the evening sets in, the lights begin to come on. A gasp falls from my lips as I spot Sara and Nick sitting at a small table for two.
I watch them interact for a few good minutes.
He’s talking–– more than he usually does, and she’s laughing–– a heartfelt, carefree laugh I’ve rarely seen on her.
He pushes to his feet, walks to the food table, picks up a plate of fruit and desserts, and walks back to her. She watches him as he pours wine into their glasses.
Oh, I know that look.
A smile brightens her face as soon as he starts talking again.