I don’t think I could ever say no to this kid. Ever. On the way home, we stop by the gym so she can expel some of that energy on the Ninja Warrior course they have for the smaller kids. It’s all she can talk about on the way home, apart from asking me to turn on the sirens for her which she loves.
I’m kind of hoping she’s forgotten all about the princess play by the time we make it back, and even suggest we watch her favorite movie instead, but she’s not having any of that. She pulls me into her room by my hand. I’ve been in here a few times. It’s covered in everything pink, purple, and every other girly color under the sun. In the center of the room there’s a tiny table, surrounded by little people chairs.
She pulls one out and orders me to sit. So I do, and well, you can pretty much guess what happens next.
Chapter 18
Marley
When I arrive home later that night, my heart is not prepared for the sight I’m met with. The sound of Lyla’s favorite movie playing on the TV. No doubt it’s been on repeat since they arrived home. A pizza delivery box is on the counter with two plates of half eaten slices still sitting on the table.
With a smile, I set down my things and walk farther into the living room to get a better look at Asher lying on the couch with Lyla tucked in next him. A plastic tiara rests haphazardly on top of his head, a sparkly boa wrapped around his neck, and his short nails are painted a stunning shade of hot pink.
I snicker, my chest expanding then cinching tight at the sight of them together like this.
His eyes fix on mine and he’s not the least bit embarrassed or put out at all. He looks almost...
Content.
I want to capture this moment forever. Memorize every angle and line of his stubbly face but it’s when he gives me that lazy, warm smile that I nearly melt on the spot.
“Hey,” he greets, his deep voice gravely from sleep.
“Hey.” I nod toward my sleeping beauty, wearing her full-on princess regalia, dress, crown, shoes and all. “How’d it go?”
I had been a little worried about whether he would be able to handle her on his own. Lord knows she can be a handful, but I needn’t worry at all it seems. Because there’s absolutely nothing this man can’t handle, including my tenacious four-year-old little girl.
He looks down at her, his eyes full of adoration. “We had the best time.” His eyes return to mine. “But Princess Lyla can be bossy, yeah?”
I laugh. “Guess I should have warned you about that.”
I walk around the couch, bending down to gently scoop her up in my arms, trying not to wake her, but her big green eyes pop open anyway.
“Mommy,” she murmurs.
I kiss the top of her head. “Did you two have fun?”
