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She nods. He then stands and carefully guides her by the hand through the living room and down the hallway.
I follow them quietly. Mr. Connoly didn’t come with us, knowing this is supposed to be a close family moment.
Andrew enters the second room to the left, and Alissa is close to giggling with excitement when he says, “Okay, you can open your eyes now!”
It’s a princess playroom, all decorated in different shades of pink, white and gold, and equipped with a metric ton of brand-new toys, some still in their boxes for her to open and enjoy.
“Andrew!” Alissa jumps on him, clinging to his neck and kissing his cheek a million times. “This is all mine?”
“Yes, Ali,” he smiles, then stands up with a hand on the top of her head. “Go explore!”
I take in a deep breath. “I’m not sure if I am pleased with all this, but she certainly loves it,” I say, touching his arm.
“I wanted it to be a bedroom. I hope it’s not too much,” he says, slightly awkward.
“How did you manage this in less than twenty-four hours?” I ask, impressed.
“Nothing is impossible with the motivation I have,” Andrew says, proud.
He puts an arm around my shoulders, and I lean into his warmth.
“How long will you be able to keep these surprises going for her?” I ask, challenging him for an answer.
“Forever,” he doesn’t skip a beat. “And for you too.”
He puts his hand in his pocket, and what I see coming out is a little blue velvet box.
“Don’t worry!” Andrew says upon looking at my face. “It’s not a ring!”
I open it and see a pair of golden stud earrings, each with a blue diamond. “They’re gorgeous!” I’m starry-eyed.
“For you to wear at the games,” he says. “With that bag I gave you.”
I hug him tight.
“Mommy, come see!” Alissa demands my attention. “There are ponies for the dolls!”
“I’m coming, sweet pea!” I say, but I don’t want to stop hugging him. “You have another game here on Wednesday, right?”
“Yeah… And I’ll be in training camp starting tomorrow. Will only be able to see you Thursday morning,” he sulks.
I lift my gaze to meet his, and then kiss him fervently. “Can’t we meet after the game?”
Andrew smiles. “As soon as I can break away, I will find you. Do you wanna stay here today? We can leave dad taking care of Ali.”
“I have work tomorrow, and Ali has school so we can’t stay too late.” Now it’s my turn to sulk. “But I think I can spare an hour or two.”
I kiss his neck, and he enjoys it. “Dad! You’re needed here! Please watch Alissa,” Andrew shouts.
Once his dad comes in, Andrew immediately takes my hand and leads me to his bedroom.
Chapter Twenty-Five
ANDREW
Ican’t get Emily into my bedroom fast enough. Every time we are together, it never feels like it’s enough and I’m always left wanting more.
Especially now, with everything we’ve been through lately, all I want to do is be alone with her.
