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“I actually remember that. She asked if I had cats and seemed really concerned about my answer.” My lips quirk at the memory.
“Yeah, exactly. She idolizes you. If you tell her you’re scared of something, she’s bound to copy the fear just to create a connection.”
My heart warms at the magnitude of her adoration. “You think so?”
His bottomless gaze sears into mine. “She’s more attached to you than the woman who birthed her.”
“No,” I deny.
“Yes.”
“Why would she be?”
“You’re here for her. Simple as that,” he says.
“Is that okay?” I search his eyes for honesty.
Our surroundings fade momentarily as we get lost in each other. His timbre is pure gravel when he asks, “What do you think?”
A nod is the extent of my communication abilities for several seconds. “And I’d hate for Syd to mimic my weakness. It’s nearly paralyzing if I reach a certain height. If necessary, I’ll give her an excuse that doesn’t involve being afraid.”
He kisses my forehead. “You’re incredible.”
“And why is that?” I flutter my lashes at him. “Feel free to list the ways.”
“Well, most importantly, you didn’t put up much of a fight before saddling yourself to a bitter single father and a rowdy kid.”
“Why would I? Syd is the best. You’re not so bad either.” A coy grin curves my lips, and I snuggle against him.
He tightens his hold on me. “Plenty would, not that I care about them. A child comes with a lot of responsibilities. You’re making a sacrifice for us.”
“I’ve never considered our relationship as such, and don’t plan to. My life has new meaning and purpose thanks to you two.” Gratitude blurs my vision and I blink against the sting.
“Fuuuu…udge.” He cuts off the end of the word after a quick glance confirms Syd is still within earshot. Jake stoops until his mouth brushes my ear. “I’m gonna worship you, Pitch.”
“Only if I get to return the favor,” I murmur into his stubbled jaw.
Sydney crashes into us, expanding our private embrace into a familial one. “What’re we waiting for? I wanna swim!”
“Then let’s go.” He ushers her forward. “I spy an open table.”
“Oh, oh! We better go get it.” She looks one timely leap away from racing across the slick floor.
“Remember no running,” I recite from the posted rules.
“I knowwww. It’s slippery. The lady told me to walk super slow.”
And that’s what we do. Syd takes extra precaution and tiptoes. Chlorine wafts in pungent waves as we cover the distance to the table. Our careful steps bounce off the tiles and concrete but are quickly drowned out. People are piling in fast for a Monday morning.
“Can I play right there?” Sydney points to three fountains that spew in the shallow entry near us. “You’re taking foreverrrrrrr.”
Her father nods. “Go ahead, Boop. Just don’t go too far.”
“I won’t,” she calls while skipping in the low tide.
“Does she need a floatie?” Alarm is shrill in my tone.
Jake chuckles. “Nah, she’s part mermaid. I enrolled her in swim lessons starting at eighteen months.”
