Leo turned onto a narrow road that wound deeper into the mountains. After a few minutes, he pulled over near a small trail.
“It’s just a short walk,” he promised, helping Adara out of the truck. “You’ll hear it before you see it.”
Sure enough, the sound of running water reached them as they followed the path through towering pines. When they emerged into a small clearing, Adara gasped with delight.
A creek tumbled over smooth stones, widening into a shallow pool before continuing its journey downhill. Sunlight dappled the water through overhanging branches, and wildflowers dotted the grassy bank.
“My secret spot,” Leo said, watching their reactions. “Well, not really secret. But it is quiet at this time of day.”
This is perfect,his bear approved.Peaceful. Safe.
“It’s beautiful,” Estelle murmured, her eyes drifting over the scene.
Adara was already tugging off her shoes. “Can I put my feet in? Please?”
Estelle laughed, a light, unguarded sound that made Leo’s heart skip. “Yes, but not too deep. And stay where we can see you.”
They settled on a flat rock near the water’s edge while Adara waded carefully into the shallows, squealing at the cold.
“Thank you for today,” Estelle murmured. “For all of this.”
Leo turned to look at her. “For running errands?”
She shook her head. “For showing us your life. For letting us be part of it.”
His bear rumbled happily.She sees it. She sees what this could be.
“It’s a simple life,” Leo replied honestly. “But there’s room for both of you in it.”
She looked suddenly unsure. Vulnerable. “Do we?”
“Yes.” He reached for her hand, relieved when she didn’t pull away. “You do see that, don’t you?”
They sat in easy silence, watching Adara splash and explore. When she discovered a small frog, her excitement drew them both into the water, pants rolled up and shoes discarded.
“Mama, look! He moved!” Adara pointed as the frog changed position.
“I see,” Estelle said, crouching beside her.
“Leo, does he live here all the time?”
Leo kneeled in the shallow water, feeling the cool current swirl around his calves. “Yes, this is his home. He probably has a whole family nearby.”
“Like us?” Adara asked innocently.
The simple question hung in the air between them. Leo felt Estelle go still beside him, her breath catching.
Say yes,his bear urged.They are our family now.
“I hope so,” Leo said carefully, meeting Estelle’s eyes over Adara’s head.
Estelle didn’t answer. Instead, she dipped her hand in the water and flicked a few drops at Adara, who squealed in surprise.
“Mama!”
Then Adara splashed back.
What started as a gentle exchange quickly became a full water fight, with Adara shrieking with laughter as she darted between them. Leo joined in, his heart light as he watched Estelle’s reserve fall away.
