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“That’s not all I want.”
I run my hand down the zipper teeth of his coat. “I have a date next week.”
“You have a date?” His nostrils flare. “New guy?”
“Same. The doctor.”
His mouth turns down, and his lip pouts out. “What made you change your mind about the guy?”
“Tara. She had some insightful words to say. I should have asked if she could stay with Ainsley for a few hours.”
“If anyone’s gonna watch Ainsley, it’s gonna be me. I’ll move my schedule around.”
“What about time with your dad?”
“This is more important.”
If I wasn’t listening so intently, I would have missed the slight break in his voice.
That’s not the reply I thought I’d get. Actually, I didn’t know how he’d respond.
I walk inside and turn the breaker on now that he’s done with his task, thankful for the reprieve from the way his husky tone made my knees weak. When I come back outside, he’s talking to Ainsley on the porch.
“Good night, kiddo,” he says.
Her cone is now devoured, and she has peanut butter and cookie ice cream all over her face.
“You’re going home?” she asks with scrunched brows.
“I have a cat who needs to be fed.”
The sugar rush of ice cream comes out as she exclaims, “You have a cat! Can I meet him?”
“If it’s okay, I’d like to bring Joe when I see you next week.” Luke looks my way for approval.
I nod because if there’s one animal I’ll let in my house, it’s Joe. I’m actually looking forward to seeing him again.
“I’ve always wanted a cat. Mom says we can’t have one.”
He kneels and takes some napkins out of his jeans pocket and wipes the ice cream from her face. “Tell you what. I’ll share Joe with you. When you two meet next week, you’ll be the best of friends, I promise.”
The top and bottom rows of her teeth are bright. “I’m so excited. I’m gonna tell all my friends at school that I have a cat. Wait. What color is he?”
“Orange with white stripes,” he says.
“I can’t wait to meet him!” She throws her arms around him, and he jolts back, not expecting the affection. “Thank you for taking me on my first date. It was magical.”
Luke stiffens for a moment before raising his arms and closing them around Ainsley in a tight embrace. His eyes close, and moisture pools in the pockets. When he opens his eyes, they’re glassy and bright.
“Why are you crying, Luke?” she asks him.
“I’m happy,” he breathes. “Really happy.”
“You don’t cry when you’re happy. You smile!” She kisses him on the cheek and then skips inside.
With my own raw emotion bubbling under the surface, I let out a few quivering breaths as I go to follow Ainsley inside when Luke calls me back.
“Jillian.”
