“I can tell,” I laughed.
It didn’t take long before we pulled into the park. The sun was sitting just right, not too hot, with a light breeze moving through the trees. Kids were scattered across the playground, laughter carrying through the air.
“Wait,” Remy said as he parked, turning slightly in his seat. “Let me get him. Don't you open that door.” He gave me playful warning. He got out, opening Melo’s door and lifting him down before opening my door.
Melo grabbed my hand. “C’mon, GG!” he said, already pulling me toward the playground.
I laughed, letting him lead as we walked together, Remy right beside us.
“What do you wanna do first?” I asked him.
“The swings!” he answered without hesitation.
“Alright, swings it is.”
We made our way over, and I helped him climb up while Remy stood behind him, giving him a small push to get him started. Melo’s laughter came quick, loud, and full as he swung higher.
Once he got some motion going, pumping his little legs he yelled out to us. "Get on Daddy and GG!"
We did. I started pumping my legs, getting this jolt of nostalgia remembering how freeing this felt. I pumped my legs harder, going higher and higher until I was swinging higher than them both.
"Wow! You're flying!" Melo laughed excitedly.
"Alright now, Gianna—that's too high," Remy warned, slowing down to watch me carefully.
I laughed loudly. "I'm fine!"
"Daddy, can I go faster too?" Melo asked.
"Notthatfast, buddy," Remy replied stopping his legs and getting off to watch me.
I was in the air. Soaring, feeling like a kid again. Rebellious and free. "Wanna see something cool, Melo!" I laughed.
"Yes!" He nodded quickly, grinning.
As if Remy could already tell what I was about to do, he started shaking his head disapprovingly. "Youbetternot," he called out.
"Huh—what was that?" I flew past him. "You said youdareme?"
"Gianna—no!" He shook his head quickly.
"Alright…if you insist!" I slowed my pace just slightly—and then—jumped off the swing. The landing wasn't perfect, but it was enough to impress Melo, who had stopped to clap his hands loudly as he squealed with laughter.
Remy immediately came over to check on me where I had landed with my hands planted in the sand. He helped me up, face set in concern, eyes narrowed. "And here I was worrying about Melo and you doing daredevil shit like that." He took my hands brushing the sand off.
I just laughed. "I'm alright, handsome. Relax."
Shaking his head, he cut his eyes at me. "Don't do that again. I mean it." He kissed my palms before brushing the sand off my pants. "You almost gave me a heart attack."
His concern was so endearing. Cupping his chin in my hand, I gave him a loud smacking kiss before dashing back over to Melo.
"Wow! You're so cool, GG!" he yelled as I helped him out of the swing.
"Thank you, sweetie." I set him on his feet and took a bow. "What should we do next?"
Melo didn’t even hesitate. “The slide!” he said, already tugging my hand in that direction.
I laughed, letting him pull me along while Remy followed behind us, still shaking his head a little. “You two already teaming up against me,” he muttered.
