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“Aww, they're so cuuute!” Amber coos, her face still pressed against the glass. “Can we take one home?”
Jake chuckles, shooting me a playful wink. “I don't think they'd like it much in our bathtub, sweetie.”
I grin, playing along. “Imagine trying to keep up with all those fish they eat!”
Amber giggles. “Maybe we could get a really big bathtub?” she suggests, her eyes hopeful.
Jake and I exchange an amused glance, our eyes locking momentarily. In that brief instant, I feel a deep connection, a shared joy in this precious moment with Amber.
My heart swells with affection for them, and I wish this day would never end.
He holds my hand, intertwining our fingers as if reading my thoughts. “I'm so glad you're here with us, Finley.”
Emotion wells up in my chest. “Me too, Jake. There's nowhere else I'd rather be.”
Oblivious to the tender moment between her father and me, Amber continues to chatter excitedly about the penguins.
I listen intently, marveling at her boundless enthusiasm and how she sees magic in everything around her.
As we eventually move on from the penguin exhibit, I sense something special happening.
With each passing moment, I’m falling deeper, not just for Jake but for the incredible little girl who has captured my heart as surely as her father has.
As we near the end of our zoo adventure, Amber is fighting yawns, her body drooping against Jake's.
“It's time to head home,” he says, scooping his daughter into his arms.
“Sounds like a plan,” I reply, disappointed that the day is ending but knowing I'll treasure it for years to come.
Jake carries Amber to the car and buckles her into the seat with practiced ease. I lean in to kiss Amber's cheek, and she slips her tiny hand into mine.
Her trusting eyes meet mine, and she smiles. I squeeze her hand gently, silently thanking her for welcoming me into their world with open arms.
Jake wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close. “Thank you for coming with us today. It means the world to me—to both of us.”
A rush of emotion spreads warmth through my chest. “I had a wonderful time. With both of you.” Jake brushes my hair off my face.
I lean into his touch, savoring the warmth of his calloused fingers against my skin.
“I'd love to take you out again,” he says, his voice low and husky. “But I don't want to wait until later this week.”
He pauses, his eyes searching mine. “I know it's last minute, but would you like to come over for dinner tonight? Nothing fancy, just a casual meal at home with Amber and me.”
My heart skips a beat at the unexpected invitation. “Are you sure? I don't want to intrude on your family time.”
Jake takes my hand, his thumb gently caressing my knuckles.
“You wouldn't be intruding. I want you there. Amber adores you, and I…” He trails off, his gaze intense. “I'm not ready to say goodbye.”
I blow out a shaky breath. “I'd love to. But I'll have to leave early. I have work in the morning.”
“I understand. Early nights are the norm for me, too,” Jake says. “I'll need to get Amber settled and put her to bed, but we can have some time to ourselves after that. It might not be the most glamorous date, but it's a glimpse into my life, into what a future with me could look like.”
“In that case, count me in.” I squeeze his hand, touched by his honesty. “I’m interested in getting to know you. I don't need to go to fancy restaurants.”
Jake pulls me into a hug. “You're amazing, you know that?” he murmurs into my hair.
I breathe in his scent, savoring his strong embrace. “You're pretty incredible yourself.”
