Lucky looks at the panel, her lips twisting to the side. “But I can’t count that high,” she says with a shrug.
Hannah peers up at me, clearly at a loss, and I conceal a laugh with a cough right as the elevator chimes, indicating our arrival. “We’re here!”
I lead the way to Robbie and Fran’s apartment when I’m stopped by Lucky tugging on the hem of my t-shirt. Stopping, I look down at her as she holds her arms up, popping her bottom lip.
Refraining from rolling my eyes, I crouch down and lift her, meeting her eyes. She’s had a bit of a bad afternoon—clingy, a little age regression. It happens, especially when we’re trying something new. “What’s up, Luck?”
“I’m scared,” she whispers.
“What are you scared of?”
Hannah presses a hand to my back. “How about I go inside, and you guys can stay out here for a few minutes?”
I nod at her, and she winks before continuing to the door and letting herself inside, and honestly, I’m just so fucking grateful that she gets it.
“Talk to me, Lucky Duck.”
She doesn’t, just bows her head, looking down.
“You’ve done a lot of new stuff lately, huh?”
Lucky nods but doesn’t meet my eyes.
“You’ve met a lot of new people, gone to some different places,” I continue gently. “I’m so proud of you.”
Her gaze lifts. “You are?”
“You bet!” I nod. “I love being able to take you everywhere with me. You’re my best friend.”
“I am?” Her eyes widen.
I nod.
“Hannah’s my best friend,” she says in response, and I try not to laugh because ouch.
“She is?”
Lucky nods, smiling wistfully. “I love her.”
I bite back a grin, leaning close and resting my forehead against my daughter’s, breathing her in and looking deep into her eyes. “I do, too.”
“And me?”
“Are you kidding me?” I balk. “Always you. You’re my homie.”
Lucky grins, and man, I love that smile.
Behind us, the door to Robbie and Fran’s apartment opens, and I spin around, expecting Hannah only to find Robbie’s head poking out, his dark eyes scanning the hallway before landing on us, a slow grin spreading across his face.
“Is that my bestie?”
“Robbie!” Lucky squeals, and suddenly she’s clambering down from my hold, launching herself at him.
Robbie takes a knee, getting down with Lucky. “Guess what?”
“What is it?” Lucky practically bounces up and down with anticipation.
“Fran’s got all her nail polishes lined up on the table, andwe’ve nominated you to paint our nails for game one tomorrow.” Robbie waggles his fingers, presenting his nails.
