My smile hurts. “So you survived?”
He blows out an exhausting breath. “I did. We had to leave when a kid brought in a balloon.”
I laugh. “We really need to figure out why she hates balloons.”
“No kidding. Just one glance and she was clinging to my leg with a cry that was as good as a scream.”
“I’m sure you saved her.”
“I did.” He timidly brushes it off. “I'm hoping next time that I'm with her to take her swimming.”
“I think she would like that. Speaking of which, I got you a present.” I walk to the side table in the living room and open a drawer, grabbing the item, then I return to the sofa and flop down, stretching my arm out for him to accept the gift.
Instantly his smile is ear-to-ear as he examines it. “A giant unicorn floaty. I'm not sure this matches the aesthetic of the building pool. But she'll love it.”
“Admittedly, she hasn't been in a pool enough.”
"Well, I'm here now.”
Yeah, he is. It doesn't faze me.
“How were the champagne and dresses? Kind of thought you would arrive home a little tipsy.”
I scratch the back of my head. “It was an option on the table. However, my throat hurts a little, and champagne can do things to one’s brain, opening a Pandora’s box of potential life choices.”
“Anything you want to share? And I’ll get you a tea.” He’s already standing before I can answer.
“You don’t have to?—”
He interrupts. “It’s not a problem, and I already know that you won’t share the mixed messages in your head that are probably 99% due to me.” He winks.
Blushing, heat rises to my cheeks. I clench my jaw, torn between mortification that he can read me so easily and irritation at how transparent I am around him.
Regardless, I let him make tea while I change into yoga pants. Returning, I grab the throw blanket and snuggle into the pillows as Hayes comes back with two cups of tea.
“I’m not sure who’s more tired, you or me. I’ve been blinded by white dresses. Nine. That’s how many dresses she tried on.” I accept the mug of tea and hold it close, taking in the warmth and the smell of lemon and another ingredient. “What is this?”
“Ginger and turmeric. You had a hidden tea box in the back of your cupboard. The recipe for health. Sometimes I have it when I’m traveling and need a boost.”
“Smart.” I take a long drink and let the warm liquid slide down my throat, already easing the scratchiness of my voice. “It’s nice. So what else is new after your day with Lola?”
He sets his mug on the coffee table, and it kind of pinches me in a good way that he is making himself at home here. “My mom is desperate to visit.”
“Funnily enough, my parents have continued to subtly mention how they want to meet you.” I grimace.
“Why don’t we just knock it all out at once?”
My eyes grow wide at his suggestion. “You mean all of our parents in one room at the same time? Brave.”
He chuckles, and that smooth grin of his appears. “Why not? Everyone is aware of the facts. Lola will simmer everyone down, no point putting ourselves through it all twice. Besides, my mom is thrilled, and I assume your parents are…”
“They are protective. They haven’t met you, so they’re cautious but also happy for Lola.” I haven’t really spoken tothem much at all in relation to Hayes. They’ve always respected my wish not to press me on Lola’s father, and they aren’t changing that behavior now that he’s in the picture. They know I’ll tell them about any important updates in my own time.
“I like a challenge. Should I tell her to come in a few weeks? I think it would be good for her. It’s my dad’s birthday then, and I have a feeling she might need to be cheered up.”
I reach for his arm instinctively, my touch gentle but sure—the kind of gesture that only comes from real care and understanding. “I get that. I can only imagine how hard it was for her. You, too.”
These are the things I need to hear. Although he has passed, there is still contentment to be brought to Hayes.
