“Oh, can we go?” Adara asked, turning to Estelle.
“A farmers’ market?” Estelle asked warily.
He nodded. “It’s small. Mostly locals.” He kept his voice even. “I thought it might be a good way to try being out in the world a little.”
“Can Fizz come too?” Adara asked as if the decision had already been made.
“Of course,” he said. “Fizz would be very welcome.”
Adara looked delighted, and Leo saw the shift in Estelle as she watched her daughter. “I suppose we can always leave if it gets too busy.”
“Yes,” Leo said at once. “No pressure.”
She studied his face for a long moment, and he wasn’t sure which way this was going to go. Maybe he’d pushed too hard, too soon.
“Okay.”
His bear went very still.
“Okay?” Leo repeated carefully.
A real smile touched her mouth then, small but unmistakable. “Okay. We’ll try.”
He had to stop himself from looking too pleased, although he wanted to smile so wide it might crack his face.
She said yes,his bear whispered, half awed.
She did.
Leo set his mug down. “I’ll need to get there a little early to set up the stall.” He kept his tone easy. “You can come with me and help if you want, or you and Adara can join me once everything’s ready. Whatever feels easier.”
He watched her take that in. The choice mattered. He could feel that.
Estelle glanced toward Adara, then back at him. Her fingers tightened slightly around her mug, but her voice was steady when she spoke.
“No.” She shook her head once, as if correcting herself. “I mean... I want to come with you. Early. If that’s all right.”
More than all right,his bear roared.
“Of course,” Leo said, keeping his tone light. “I’d appreciate the help.”
She nodded once, more to herself than to him. “What time?”
“Eight-thirty?” he offered. “That gives us time to set up before it gets busy.”
“Eight-thirty is fine,” she said easily, although he could still see the uncertainty in her eyes.
He stepped closer to the counter until their shoulders brushed. “Thank you,” he murmured.
“For what? I haven’t done anything yet.”
“For trusting me enough to try.”
Estelle looked up at him, and then she stroked his cheek. “I trust you more than anyone else in the world.”
And he swore he would never betray that trust.
Chapter Nineteen – Estelle
