Page 134 of The Flirt

“Bella, you were amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

“How proud? And how much do you like me?”

Scarlett beamed widely. “To the moon and back. Why?”

“Well... if you like me a lot... would you like to be my week mommy?"

My breath caught. Scarlett froze, then glanced quickly at me. I was completely shocked. Bella had never even broached this subject with me.

"I already have a weekend mommy," she continued, "most of the time, but it's not the same thing."

Scarlett looked at me again, clearly deferring to me.

"Baby girl, this is a big question. I’m sure Scarlett has to think about it."

Bella's shoulders dropped.

"No, I don't. I don't," Scarlett said, and Bella's face exploded in a huge smile.

"So you want to be my week mommy?"

"If it's fine with your dad." Scarlett flashed me a huge smile.

Is this really happening?

Bella buried her face in Scarlett's neck. Scarlett's gaze was fixed on me. I could barely speak past the emotion clogging my throat.

"I love you," I mouthed to her.

She mouthed right back, "I love you too."

Something shifted inside me. Something I hadn't even been aware was out of balance before. For the first time in many years, I felt completely at peace. Completely happy.

"All right, who’s ready for cake?" Isabeau called out as Celine walked in with my girl's favorite chocolate cake.

Bella ran straight to the table. I stood up, taking Scarlett's hand and kissing the back of it.

"I fucking love you," I told her.

"Come on, let's head in or we won’t get any."

I laughed. “Spoken like a true LeBlanc."

***

I'd been afraid the sugar rush would mess with Bella’s sleep, but I shouldn't have worried. My girl fell asleep the second we got in the car.

"We’re heading to the house, right?" I asked Scarlett.

"Shoot, I don't have anything to change into. Can we drop by the studio first?"

"Sure."

We drove in complete silence. My thoughts went to Scarlett's email again. Damn it, I still wanted to bring that up. I was going to do it once we were home.

When we arrived in front of her building, I jumped out and opened her door. Scarlett smiled as she got out.

After I closed the door, she said, "You really don't have to walk me to the door, you know, considering your car is right here. You can see me."

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