Page 33 of The Wedding Favor

“Our plants,” Hallie said. “We brought them with us when we moved. Dad really likes plants. Sometimes he even sings to them.”

“It’s a scientific fact that plants grow better if they are sung or spoken to,” Abe said as he padded into the room.

I wheeled around. “These are yours?”

He nodded, stopping next to a plant and patting the pot affectionately.

“What’s with all the holes in the leaves?” I asked.

“It’s called a Swiss cheese plant.”

“No, it’s not. What’s it really called?”

He held up a hand. “I’m serious. Tell her, Hal.”

“It’s a Swiss cheese plant.” She pointed at another pot. This one held a tall plant with large leaves that were pale green in the center and a much darker green around the edges, no holes this time. “That one’s called a Dumb Cane.” She pointed at one with long thin leaves that shot up in every direction. “Spider plant. Dad likes to test me on the names.”

“It’s good for you.” Abe scratched the top of her head.

“So,” I said slowly, “what you’re saying is you’re a plant daddy?”

He frowned. “A plant daddy?”

“Yeah, a man, that would be you, who”—I gestured around the room—“loves plants and takes care of them. Like they’re his kids.”

He made a face. “I just have plants, that’s all.”

“He has names for all of them,” Hallie said.

“Oh, really?”

She pointed and rattled off few. “That’s Sunny. There’s April. That one is named Emilio. There’s Skipp⁠—”

Scowling, Abe cut in. “Have you finished cleaning your room?”

“Yes.”

“And putting your clothes away?”

“Yes.”

“Then go watch a movie.”

“Really? In the middle of the day? Yes!” Hallie hopped up from the couch and flew out of the room.

I leaned over a plant. “Aw, is your daddy all embarrassed about his feelings for you?”

“Don’t listen to her, Michael. I am not embarrassed by you.”

“This is adorable. You are adorable.” I winced, wishing I hadn’t said it out loud. But it was true, nonetheless.

“Oh, yeah? I don’t think anyone has ever called me that.” He grinned slowly, strolling over to me on bare feet. (The Ramos house was a shoe-free zone.) His toenails were painted dark purple.

“Don’t let it go to your head.” I pointed at his feet. “Nice pedicure.”

“Thanks. My technician is only nine, but she’s pretty good.”

Our eyes met and held for one beat, then two. Something about him made me want to smile and smile and smile. I couldn’t remember a time when a person made me feel this way.