“That means it’s most likely broken.But we’ll find someone who can fix it.”
She sniffled into his shirt, and I itched with the need to pull her back so she wouldn’t get snot all over him.
Vance nudged her gently.“Now, what do you say we get this little guy inside?”
“Can I hold the bucket?”
He lifted it up, holding it out to her.“Of course.”
She grabbed it in a hug, clutching it to her chest.“Can you carry us?”
Before I could tell her I would carry her, Vance had already picked her up and was halfway to the back door.Malena looked at me with a smirk but thankfully didn’t say anything.Addy and Felix skipped along next to Vance, peppering him with questions about birds.
All of which he seemed to be able to answer.
They disappeared inside, and I shrugged at Malena.“Guess he likes birds.”
She ignored my comment, raising a brow at me.“And the plot thickens.”
“Plot?”
She winked at me and headed inside.
“What plot?”I called in the direction of the door she’d gone through but received no answer.
Grumbling under my breath, I followed them into the house.There was no plot.
While the kids watched the bird as if he’d vanish if they took their eyes off him for a second, the adults made calls to figure out what to do with him.
Vance eventually found a vet who could take him.Addy blinked tears away and Elana had stuffed her head under my shirt when Vance announced he would be dropping Blinky off at the vet.
I knew the moment Elana had given the bird a name, it would be difficult to part ways.
Vance held the bucket, letting each kid say goodbye.When it was Elana’s turn, she didn’t make a move to untangle herself from my clothes.
“He’s hurting right now, and the vet will make him feel better,” Vance gently explained, kneeling next to my daughter.“And then he’ll be able to fly again and be with his family.”
She dropped down to her knees, peering into the bucket.“But then I’ll never see him again.”
“I’m sure he’ll be back.We’ll ask Malena to leave food out for him.”
Elana nodded sagely.“And water.He might get thirsty.”
Vance tapped her nose.“And water.Now, how about you say goodbye so we can get Blinky some help?”
Crisis averted, she blew the bird kisses, then stood back up.“Bye, Blinky.See you when you feel better.”
Malena held out a large bowl in one hand, flour in the other.“Who wants to help me make snickerdoodles?”
Elana raced Addy over to the counter, both wanting to do the mixing.
Vance stood up, and I watched him walk to the door.And I was definitely not looking at his ass.
He turned around as he was about to step outside.“Bye, Mrs.Porter.”
Snapping my head up, I bit my bottom lip before answering.“Bye, Mr.Moore.”
He nodded, then left, the door silently shutting behind him.
