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I grin, nodding enthusiastically. “Absolutely!”
When we step into the monkey exhibit, we're greeted by a cacophony of playful screeches.
The monkeys swing from branch to branch, their agile bodies moving with incredible speed and grace.
Amber's excited giggles fill the air, mixing with the playful chatter of the monkeys swinging overhead.
Her blue eyes, so like Jake's, sparkle with pure joy and wonder at each new sight.
“Look at that one, Daddy!” Amber points to a particularly energetic monkey, who seems to be showing off for the crowd. “He's doing flips!”
Jake leans down, his arm wrapping around Amber's shoulders. “They're like acrobats at the circus.”
We move on to the lion exhibit, where the powerful creatures stride across their enclosure, their powerful muscles rippling beneath their tawny coats.
Jake lifts Amber to get a better view. “Look at that big guy, pumpkin! Isn't he majestic?”
“He's the king, Daddy!” Amber declares, puffing out her small chest.
Jake chuckles, his gaze meeting mine. The affection and pride shining in those baby blues make my heart flip-flop.
We leave the lions behind and head to the elephants' enclosure. Jake reaches for my hand, his calloused fingers intertwining with mine.
The gesture is small but significant, making me feel cherished and safe.
It’s natural to be here with them—like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.
“Look at the baby elephants!” Amber gasps, pointing to the enclosure where two calves are frolicking alongside their mothers.
“Baby elephants are my favorite,” I tell her. “They're so adorable and clumsy.”
Amber flashes a smile before turning to Jake. “Daddy, can you see?”
Jake chuckles, allowing his enthusiastic daughter to pull him along. “I see them, pumpkin.”
“Amber, did you know elephants are some of the smartest animals in the world?” I ask.
Amber shakes her head, her pigtails swinging. “Really? That's so cool!”
Amber's tiny fingers thread through mine, and I give them a soft squeeze, wordlessly expressing gratitude for her acceptance.
I share more fascinating tidbits about the elephants, and notice Jake observing us, his gaze filled with affection.
My heart swells, knowing he trusts me enough to share this special moment with his daughter.
Amber presses her nose to the glass at the penguin habitat, entranced by the fuzzy gray chicks. Their clumsy waddles elicit a chorus of “awws” from us.
Amber giggles as a curious baby penguin approaches, tilting its head as if trying to understand her.
“Do you think they use a secret code to talk to each other?” she whispers, as if they can hear us.
I crouch beside her, my face close to the glass. “Maybe they do! What do you think they're saying?”
Amber's brow furrows in concentration. Suddenly, her face lights up. “They're telling jokes!”
I laugh. “Maybe they are.”
Jake joins us, his arm brushing against mine as he leans in for a better look. The contact sends a pleasant tingle through my body, and I lean into him, savoring his warmth.
