It’s so ingrained in who I am, being a Marine veteran, that I don’t think twice.
“Auntie Noah!”
There’s a crowd around the little girl, and I can tell people are trying to be nice and corral her so that she stays put. It’s smart. She can’t keep running and get further lost that way, even if it does scare her.
Noelle pushes through the circle of people and scoops up Ainsley. “Babygirl! You scared me!”
“I got lots,” she blubbers, misspeaking the wordlost.
Noelle hugs her tighter as Ainsley wraps her arms and legs around her. “I’ve got you. I’ll always find you.”
“Pinky promise?”
“Yes.” Noelle’s gaze meets mine as the crowd disperses, and I see the relief.
“You’re both okay,” I assure her, knowing she probably needs to hear it. “Everything is fine now.”
Ainsley lifts her head from her aunt’s shoulder. “Did you use your big muscles to help?”
It’s hard not to laugh because it’s adorable. “Yeah,” I admit.
“Can I give you a hug too?”
I blink, taken aback because no kid has ever asked to hug me. “Sure.” I crouch as Noelle releases her, and Ainsley slams into me with enough force that I almost lose my balance.
“Mommy says I should say thank you when people are nice.”
“That’s true. You should,” I agree.
“Thank you for helping Auntie Noah find me.”
“I’m glad we did.”
“You’reapposedto say you’re welcome back,” she quips.
This little girl is too cute. She’s got a fiery personality already, and I don’t think she’s more than five or six years old.
I grin. “You’re right. You’re welcome, Ainsley.”
She steps back and reaches for Noelle’s hand. “My eyes are screaming.”
Noelle nods. “You want to go home and have cocoa and watch a movie?”
“Yes.” Ainsley yawns.
“I’m happy to give you an escort,” I offer.
Noelle’s gaze snaps to mine.
“To make sure you get home alright. The weather is sh, uh, terrible out.”
I nearly cussed in front of a little kid. Clearly, I’m not used to eliminating certain words from my vocabulary.
Ainsley looks up at Noelle. “Puh-lease?”
“Sure. I guess it’s not a bad idea.”
By now, Storm, Smoke, and Bear have arrived. They hear me offer an escort, and Smoke titters.
