Make Me Yours

“Wrap him up again.” I kiss her head. “I’ll be right back.”

The living room is empty as is Lillie’s playroom. I’m about to jog up the stairs when

I see her outside the back doors, standing on the patio.

When I step through the open door, she seems startled. “I’m sorry. Is lunch over?”

“Not quite. Don’t you want some pigs in blankets? Did I eat your lunch?”

Her cute nose wrinkles. “I had a late breakfast. I’m good. By the way, having lunch with your daughter pretty much confirms you’re not a distant or detached father.”

“It’s something I try to do every day. You’re welcome to join us.”

“I think it’s better if you have that time with her.” She tilts her head and gives me a little smile. “She gets you all to herself.”

I don’t know why that pleases me so much. Still… “What are you doing?”

“Would it be okay if we set up easels out here?” She gestures toward the lake. A bridge arches over one end, and cranes stand beneath it. “That’s a really nice scene. I’d like to try painting with Lillie.”

“Do you paint?”

“Just for fun.” She shrugs, seeming embarrassed.

“I think it’s great. I’d love you to give Lillie art lessons.”

“Okay.” She starts for the door, and I catch her hand. Her eyes fly to mine, startled, and I release her. “Sorry. I just wanted to say I think you’re doing a great job with her. I hope you like it here.”

Her shoulders relax, and she smiles. “I do. I like it very much. More than I thought I would.”

“Daddy?” Lillie’s voice is serious. “I finished my lunch. I think you’d better finish yours and get back to work.”

She’s standing in the French doors with her little hands on her hips, and I can’t resist picking her up again. “Is that so? You think I need to get to work?”

I tickle her, and she laughs. Ruby’s hand goes to her mouth, and she’s laughing as well. Our eyes meet, and those feelings are so strong. I was going to apologize for almost kissing her. I wanted to make it clear I’m not trying to crowd her or make her uncomfortable.

Her answer to my question gives me some relief, but I’ll make a point of clearing the air later, once Lillie’s not around to misunderstand.

Giving her a wink, I put my daughter on her feet. “I guess I’m getting back to work now.”

Ruby holds out a hand to her. “How do you feel about painting?”

It gets about the exact response I’d expect. Lillie starts jumping up and down, clapping and cheering. Walking to my office, all I can think is this is exactly how I want it to be.

9

Ruby

Dinner with Eleanor is an unexpectedly formal event.

I didn’t get the memo to wear a ball gown, so I showed up in the same outfit I’ve worn all day—my purple skirt and “Stay Gold” tee. Eleanor’s wearing a fancy beige pantsuit with another one of those little scarves tied at her neck.

Lillie changed out of her sparkly mermaid costume, and now she’s wearing a fancy version of Belle’s dress from Beauty and the Beast. It has sparkly gold tulle and a full skirt and looks nicer than anything I own.

Remi’s drop-dead gorgeous as always in his jeans and tee, but he pulled a navy blazer over it. When I enter the room, he gives me that swoony smile, and I swear, I’m never going to get used to it.

Everyone’s standing behind their chairs looking at me. “Were you waiting for me?” My face gets hot. “I was…”

The sentence is started, but the way Eleanor glares at me, the words die on my lips.