“’Night.” She didn’t add “Daddy.” Mia realized the child had yet to refer to Connor by that term. Not so odd, of course. After all, he was still basically a stranger to her.
“Maybe you’d like to give her a good-night kiss?” she prodded, thinking they needed to get past this awkward, reserved stage quickly if Alexis was going to feel safe and secure in her new home.
“Oh, yeah, sure.”
Alexis glanced up a bit uncertainly at Mia. Smiling encouragingly down at her, Mia led her to the couch. Connor leaned over to brush a light kiss on Alexis’s cheek. “Good night.”
“’Night,” she said again.
It was a start, Mia figured. With a little nod to Connor, she turned and walked with Alexis out of the room.
Alexis looked even smaller in the big bed with the dark linens around her. They were definitely going to have to lighten things up in here, Mia decided, thinking a shopping trip was in order at the earliest opportunity. “Which book would you like to hear tonight?”
Without even stopping to consider, Alexis replied, “Green Eggs and Ham.”
“That sounds good.” Mia plucked the book from the stack and stretched out beside the girl. Alexis rested her head trustingly against Mia’s arm as she began to read, holding the book so Alexis could see the pictures. She read in a quiet, soothing tone, and Alexis was almost asleep by the time the story ended.
Sliding off the bed, Mia tucked the covers snugly around the child and her treasured stuffed cat. “I’ll be sleeping right next door if you need anything tonight,” she reminded her. “Just call out or come get me.”
“Okay.”
“Do you want me to leave the night-light on?” She’d brought the night-light herself, a whimsical little glass unicorn that plugged into an outlet and glowed a soothing blue. It had been a gift from one of her students last year and she’d thought a child would appreciate the soft illumination in a strange place.
“Yes, please. And could you leave the door open so you can hear me if I call you?”
“Of course I will.” Leaning over the bed, Mia pressed a kiss to Alexis’s cheek. “Good night, sweetie.”
Alexis surprised her by wrapping her arms around her neck and giving her a quick hug. “Good night, Mia.”
Touched, Mia straightened and tucked the covers in again. After hesitating only a moment, she turned and left the room, leaving the door an inch ajar, just as Alexis had requested.
Connor wasn’t on the couch when Mia walked into the living room. Looking around for him, she found him standing at the window, staring out into the night. Judging from his expression, she doubted that he saw a thing beyond the glass. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts, and they were apparently somber ones.
“Connor?”
He hadn’t heard her come in, which was only further indication of how distracted he’d been. He turned quickly. “Oh. Mia.”
She smiled. “You were expecting someone else?”
“No, I just…” He pushed a hand through his hair. “Did you get her tucked in okay?”
“Yes. She was so tired, I think she’ll sleep soundly.”
“I hope so.”
“Are you okay? Do you need anything?”
He started to shake his head, then stopped himself and raised his hands in a gesture of bewilderment. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
She knew exactly what he was going through now. And because she did, she placed a hand on his forearm and smiled encouragingly up at him. “I understand. It’s terrifying, isn’t it?”
He covered her hand with his and his fingers felt cold. “That’s exactly what it is.”
“She’s a sweet little girl, Connor. Very well-behaved.”
“Yeah, I know. I can’t help but wonder if she’s a little too well-behaved. Did that seem normal to you?”
She shook her head in exasperation. “First you were worried that she would be a terror and now you’re worried that she’s too good?”