“I do want to be here.” He looks at me, gaze firm and steady. “For her and also for us.”
His words hang between us. And of course, I want this too.
I reach over and take his hand. “Me too.”
Seraphina runs back over to us, her cheeks pink, her smile wide. “Mommy! Liam! Ducks funny!”
“They are funny,” Liam agrees.
She climbs right onto his lap like it’s the most natural thing.
He looks at me, surprised, but also completely at ease.
“Snack time?” she asks.
Liam rubs his belly. “I could use a snack too.” He looks at me. “Whatcha got in there?” He nods to the backpack.
I unzip it and pull a few things out. “We have some apples, pretzels, and some juice. What do you want, Sera?”
“Pwetzels and juice.” She holds out her little hand, then leans against Liam while she eats.
I’m trying not to react in a way that would alarm her, but it’s hard not to fight back a few tears as I watch them together. And good Lord, do they look alike.
This outing today makes me feel like we could be … that we are … a real family. And when Liam meets my gaze, I think he feels it too.
As soon as she’s done with her snack and juice, she’s ready to move again. So, we make our way down the path again. She’s holding both of our hands again, swinging them as we walk.
She trips slightly, and both of us react instantly to steady her. Our hands brush when we do, and we freeze for a half second, the moment lingering. Liam’s fingers close gently around mine instead of pulling away, and I let him.
We walk together like that for a few minutes, until Sera reaches for our hands again. Then she spots an ice cream vendor.
“Ice cream!” She points dramatically.
“You want some ice cream, Sera?” Liam asks.
I’m sure he’ll never deny her anything. Even if that means she’s bouncing up and down with a sugar high.
She nods. “Yes!”
“What do you think, Alie? Want some?” He gives me a sexy little smirk.
I clear my throat. “Um, yes. That’s fine. Ice cream.”
Liam lets her order, and she gets a vanilla cone with colorful sprinkles. Then she proceeds to smear some all over Liam’s shirt.
“Oh no,” I say, smothering a laugh.
He looks down at the glob of ice cream on his shirt.
“Eh, worth it.” He tickles her, making her laugh.
I take her hands and wipe them with a napkin, then hand him one to clean up with.
“I think we should take a selfie, don’t you, Sera?” I pull out my phone.
“Yes!” she claps.
I look at Liam and he smiles softly, pulling her in a little tighter, despite the ice cream that’s still dripping all over both of them now. Then I lean in, hold up my arm, and capture our first family picture.
