“Being here,” he said. “With you. With your family. It feels… right.”
The sincerity in his voice made my breath hitch. I looked at him, his eyes steady on mine, and for a moment, the room seemed to shrink around us.
“I wish I could kiss you,” he whispered, his voice low and intimate.
A shiver ran through me as his words brushed against the air between us. “Me too”.
Before the moment could deepen, Meredith’s voice called from the living room. “Hey, no funny business in there! If you two need a room, go quick, I’ve got the girls covered!”
“Meredith!” I called back, my voice half-laughing, half-exasperated. “I’m heating up soup!”
Will smirked, leaning in just a fraction closer. “She’s not wrong, though.”
I shook my head, turning back to the stove. “Don’t push your luck, Parker.”
Meredith eventually wandered back into the kitchen, setting her phone on the counter with a knowing smirk. “The girls are in there giggling non-stop. ‘Spirit’ must be a comedy now.”
Will chuckled, glancing toward the living room. “Ivy loves narrating that movie. She’s probably explaining every scene to Bebe right now.”
Meredith leaned casually against the counter, eyeing the sushi on the platter. “So, Nat, what’s it like having a boyfriend who brings dinner and a daughter with perfect gift-giving skills?”
Will raised an eyebrow, his smirk teasing. “Boyfriend, huh? That’s official now?”
I shot Meredith a look, though my cheeks warmed at the word. “Don’t encourage her,” I said.
Meredith grinned, unbothered by my protest. “Too late. You two are so smitten, it’s painful to watch.”
Will leaned toward me slightly, a playful glint in his eye. “Painful, huh? Guess I’m doing something right.”
I rolled my eyes, ignoring the flutter in my chest. “Why don’t we talk about your smitten status?” I countered, turning the spotlight onto Meredith. “How’s Jasper’s soup delivery? Thoughtful or flirtatious?”
Meredith groaned dramatically, tossing her hands up. “Oh, please. He’s just being nice. The man can’t help that he’s a great cook and a good guy.”
Will exchanged a look with me, his grin widening. “Definitely flirtatious,” he said, nodding in agreement. “What about my guy, Evan? Is he still in the running?”
“Quiet, both of you!” Meredith said, though her laughter broke through. “You’re not funny.”
“Not even a little?” I teased.
She grabbed a dish towel and tossed it in my direction. “I hate you both,” she muttered.
After finishing the sushi and wine with Will and Meredith, I grabbed the bowls of soup from the stove. “I’ll bring these out to the girls,” I said, carrying them into the living room where Bebe and Ivy were curled up under blankets.
“Bebe, honey, here’s some soup,” I said, setting the bowl on the coffee table. “Just take small sips, okay?”
Bebe nodded, her small hands reaching for the spoon. “Thanks, Mommy.”
I set another bowl in front of Ivy, who gave me a big smile. “Thank you, Miss Natalie!”
“You’re welcome,” I said, brushing a strand of hair off Bebe’s forehead. “
“They’re good out there,” I said, returning to the kitchen with the tray.
“Bebe looks good,” he said, his voice soft. “You’re doing a great job, Nat.”
Thanks,” I said quietly, leaning against the counter. His words, simple as they were, felt grounding.
Meredith joined us a moment later, refilling her wine and leaning casually against the counter across from us.
