"What a little smarty."
Hearing their happy interaction, my chopping motions unconsciously became lighter.
At dinner, the three of us sat around the table. I fed Leo pumpkin puree while Lorenzo tasted the pasta I'd made.
"It's really good." He praised sincerely. "Your cooking keeps getting better."
"Just home cooking."
"Home cooking is the warmest." He smiled. "More comforting than fancy restaurants."
I laughed.
During our chat, I mentioned plans to set up a stall at Sequim Market next week, and he immediately offered to help watch Leo and carry merchandise.
"That's too much trouble for you..."
"Not at all." He looked at me seriously. "Tara, I'm happy to help."
Looking at him, warmth surged in my chest.
"Thank you, Lorenzo."
After dinner, Lorenzo insisted on washing dishes.
"You go spend time with Leo." He said. "I'll clean up."
"That doesn't seem right..."
"Go on, go on." He pushed me out of the kitchen. "You're tired already."
I had to go to the living room to play with Leo.
The little guy was full of energy, wanting this one moment and that the next. He reached out his little hands, grabbing at my hair.
"Ow, gentle, gentle." I laughed, moving his little hands away. "Leo, you can't pull Mommy's hair."
"Ya ya..." He giggled and reached for it again.
"You little troublemaker."
Lorenzo finished the dishes and came out, seeing us with a tender smile on his face.
"Is he bullying you again?"
"Yes," I said with mock helplessness. "This little guy has quite the grip."
"Then I'll help you." Lorenzo came over and picked up Leo. "Come on, Leo, gentlemen protect their mommies."
"Ya..." Leo squirmed in his arms.
"Good boy, let's play with this." Lorenzo picked up a stuffed animal. "Look, it's a little bear."
Leo was immediately attracted, reaching for the stuffed bear.
I sat on the couch, watching them.
Lorenzo holding Leo looked so natural, so gentle. As if Leo really was his son.
