“She won’t take it off.” She looks at me with a laugh.
“I remember those days.”
Emmy has already jumped into Jace’s arms, and he holds her close then sets her back on the floor a moment later. She turns to me next, running toward me and nearly knocking me over. She’s used to throwing herself into her dad’s arms, but I’m clearly not built like that mountain of a man. We topple over, my shock and her laughter causing me to start laughing too.
“Oof! You got me.”
She giggles and attempts to help me up, but it’s really Jace who pulls us both up together with one tug.
“Angie, you can join us for this too,” he says to his sister. “We have something to share.” Jace wraps his hand around mine before kneeling on the floor to get to Emmy’s level. “Emmy,” he says with a smile, using his free hand to hold hers.
Her fingers are so tiny in his and bring up memories of my own dad’s kindness, guiding me through life and encouraging me to follow my dreams. Jace is so different from my dad, yet he has so many of his good qualities that I know I’ve found the best sort of man to give my trust and love.
“Ivy—Miss Ivy—and I care about each other very much. And I really want her to be a part of our lives as more than your dance teacher.” He pauses to let her process his words.
Emmy’s brow furrows, and my heart rate escalates. “Would you two get married?” Her voice is only curious.
“I would like to marry her one day.” He steals a glance at me, and I know my smile is radiant.
Emmy hums and nods, and her tulle skirt swishes. “And would you two kiss and stuff like that?”
I hold back a laugh, but Jace’s mouth just hitches up in a maddeningly attractive way. “We would. And stuff like that.” At the last words, he looks my way with a wink.
Oh. My. Stars. Thankfully, he faces Emmy again and misses my face turning the same shade as my red lipstick.
“And would she live here?”
“Well, not here.” Jace glances up at his sister, who has tears in her eyes as she watches us silently. “But, one day, we’ll plan to live together. When we don’t live with Auntie A anymore.”
Emmy looks from Angie and back to Jace, and then her eyes slide to mine, her brow still furrowed. “And you’d want me too, Miss Ivy?”
“Of course I’d want you,” I whisper as my voice catches.
“Not just my dad. You want me to live with you?” She points to herself, and I nod quickly, the fact that she feels the need to ask breaking my heart.
“I’d want you, Emmy girl.”
“Like a mommy?”
Sharply, Jace inhales, looking at the floor, his throat working to swallow.
I nod again. “If your dad and I get married, and if you ever want me to be your mommy, I’d love to be.”
Emmy’s eyes fill just before she launches herself at me again, and this time, I’m ready for it. I wrap my arms around her andlet her sniffles match mine. Jace is wiping the edges of his eyes, and Angie is a blubbering mess in the kitchen.
Leaning back to hold my face in her hands, Emmy closes the distance between us as only kids without concern for personal space can do. I can see her freckles, the glitter of her eyeshadow, and the cheek stain she put on. She smells like sugar cookies, which I happen to love.
“Do I still have to call you Miss Ivy?” At this, our laughs mingle throughout the room.
“Just in class.”
“Okay, I guess I can do that.” Her arms wrap around me once more, and I hold on tight until Jace joins in. I knew he couldn’t stay away for long.
“My girls.” His strong arms wrap around us both, and I snuggle in, resting my head against his chest.
“Will I get a brother or sister now?” Emmy squeals, and Jace coughs.
“One thing at a time, Emmy Bear. One thing at a time.”
