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Ava's growing up. Fast. She's already off to preschool twice a week, a step for my little lady. It seems like just yesterday she was a baby, needing me for every little thing.
Now, she's a force to be reckoned with, all on her own.
My gaze drifts back to Lily. What's going to happen next year when Ava starts kindergarten? Lily's been our rock, our constant. But once Ava's in school, Lily won't be needed as much. The thought sends a shiver down my spine.
I shake it off, deciding to live in the now. "Sounds like you had a ball, princess. Bet next year's gonna be even better."
Ava's eyes dart down to Lily's ears, and she suddenly changes the subject. "Ooh, Lily! Your earrings look like Christmas!"
Lily's hand goes to one of the glittering mistletoe studs, a faint blush tinging her cheeks. "Thanks, Ava. My sister gave them to me."
Ava reaches out and touches Lily's ear. "What are they?"
"They're mistletoe."
"What's mistletoe?"
"Um, well..." Lily's blush deepens. "It's a plant people hang up around Christmas. And if two people who like each other stand under it, they're supposed to kiss."
I nearly choke on my coffee.
"That's enough talk about kissing," I cut in, then turn to Ava. "Hey, princess, why don't you go put your plate in the sink and then head upstairs to clean up your room so Lily can get a break?"
"Okay!" She scoops up her plate and scampers off upstairs.
Once Ava disappears upstairs, I turn back to Lily. It's then I notice something different: she isn't eating the Santa-shaped waffle we have. Instead, on the table before her is a tiny bowl of yogurt that looks anything but appetizing, combined with a meager serving of granola.
I watch Lily, her brows furrowed in a cute little wrinkle as she tries to shovel down the granola. Her face twists in a grimace that she quickly masks with a smile when she notices my gaze on her.
"You didn't want waffles?" I ask, frowning.
She blushes lightly, shaking her head. "No, I thought I'd just have some granola," she mumbles, poking at the yogurt with her spoon. "Trying to watch my weight around the holidays."
I can't help but frown harder. I love Lily's curves, every inch of her. She's perfect just the way she is, and the idea that she thinks she needs to lose weight doesn't sit right with me.
"I think you look fine." The words come out harsher than I planned.
Lily sighs. "If only everyone felt that way."
Her comment catches me off guard. I have no idea who she's been talking to. But whoever they are is a fucking idiot. And they certainly don't appreciate my girl the way I do.
I consider prying, asking her who she's referring to but ultimately decide against it. After all, it's not my place to interrogate her about her personal life.
Instead, I change the subject. "What are you up to today?"
"I'm actually going to Rachel's house. Our mom is visiting for the holidays, and she needs my help getting her guest room set up."
A twinge of disappointment pangs in my chest.
I know it's selfish. Today is Lily's day off, and she deserves a break from Ava and me. But I was hoping she would spend the day with us. With me. I want to tell her not to go, to stay here with me and Ava, but I don't.
Instead, I nod, trying to push away the feeling of emptiness that threatens to consume me. "Well, that sounds like fun."
"Yeah, it should be good to see Mom again," Lily replies with a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. I can tell she's not entirely thrilled about the idea. She pushes her half-eaten yogurt aside and stands up from the table, beginning to gather the breakfast dishes. "Let me help with the clean-up before I leave."
As Lily clears the table, our fingers brush against each other. It's a simple, innocent touch, but it sends a jolt of electricity through me. My foot catches on the leg of my chair, sending me sprawling awkwardly onto the floor. The clatter of the chair hitting the tiles reverberates around the room, startling both of us.
"Dean! Are you okay?" Lily rushes over, her eyes wide with concern.
