Tucker’s lips lift into a grin. “Did you get that with me?”
“Yes, babe,” she murmurs as she stares back at him with nothing but adoration.
I can’t help but feel as though I’m intruding so I quietly shift my body, pulling my gaze away from the two of them, looking back at their son nestled in my arms. His lips part again and he yawns in his sleep, his body stretching in my arms.
Contentment washes over me and warmth spreads through my chest. I used to think I didn’t want any of this, but now I’m not so sure.
And maybe—just maybe—I want exactly what they have one day.
CHAPTER THREE
ELLA
“Grammy!”
A warmth washes over my chest as Chloe breaks into a run as she speeds toward Iris.
Iris lets out a hearty laugh, her body crouching at the end of the walkway as she stretches her arms out to Chloe. She runs right to Iris, her little arms snaking around her neck as they embrace one another.
Iris isn’t Chloe’s biological grandmother, but she’s the only one she’s ever known. She’s the only one she’ll ever know.
“There’s my favorite little sweet pea,” Iris says as she presses her lips to the side of Chloe’s head. Chloe giggles as Iris lifts her into her arms as she stands upright. “Are you going to help Grandma Iris in the garden today?”
Chloe claps her hands, her little body wiggling in Iris’ arms. “Yes!” Chloe turns in Iris’ arms and waves at me. “Bye Mama!”
My shoulders shake with laughter and Iris joins in, her cheeks lifting towards her eyes as she shakes her head. “Jeez, Clo,” I say, lifting my eyebrows at her. “Way to get rid of me.”
“You know she loves her time with me,” Iris smiles as she sets Chloe down onto the ground.
“She does,” I smile back at her, nodding my head in agreement. Bending my knees, I crouch down. “Give me a hug, babe. Mama has to head to work.”
Chloe comes over to me, wrapping her little arms around my neck as she places a sloppy kiss on my cheek. “Love you.”
“Love you too,” I murmur, kissing the top of her head before releasing her. She gives me another wave, walking past Iris as she guides her up the steps onto the front porch.
“Go get your gardening gloves, sweet pea.” Iris turns to me as Chloe walks into the house. “Thanks again for covering for Maisie tonight. Her not feeling well was unexpected and my knees haven’t been cooperative with me standing for long periods of time.”
“I’m always here to help in any way I can.” I step to Iris, reaching for her hand and give it a gentle squeeze. “It’s the least I can do for everything you’ve done to help me.”
“Oh, honey,” she says, abruptly pulling me in for a hug. “You know you’ve always been like a second daughter to me. That’s what family does. We help each other when we need it.”
“I can never thank you enough,” I say, my voice cracking around my words as emotion floods me. In addition to my brother, Iris and Remi were the two people who were there for me in the lowest point of my life. They helped me crawl my way out of the darkness and get back on my feet.
Iris releases me, but she takes my hands in hers, staring at me with her eyes shining brightly. “You bringing that darling little angel into my life is the greatest gift.”
Tears burn the corners of my eyes and I give her hands a gentle squeeze before taking a step back. I love Iris dearly. She’s the closest thing I have to a motherly figure. Her daughter, Remi, has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. The two of them are my family, but the emotions still make me feel uncomfortable.
Crying in front of others isn’t something I tend to do often and I’m not about to do it now on a random Tuesday evening.
“I’ll be back later tonight to get her.”
“See you then,” Iris smiles, lifting her hand in a small wave before retreating back into the house.
My footsteps are quick as I head to my car, pushing the mix of emotions into the small box I keep locked away inside. My life isn’t perfect, but it’s good.
And that’s enough for me right now.
“I swear to God, if I catch that creep looking at you again, I’m kicking him out.”
