Page 9 of Bigfoot's Wife

When it’s finally time to head to the school, I practically sprint to my transport.

I pull up to the school caverns, and my heart does a little jig when I spot Bambi herding the last of her students out the door. She looks up, and our eyes meet. For a moment, time stands still.

I head toward her, crossing the distance…until my nephews come barreling out, breaking the spell.

"Uncle Olwydd!" Jac squeals, launching himself at me.

I catch him mid-air, spinning him around. "Hey, squirt! How was school?"

"It was cool," Elis pipes up. "Miss Bambi’s a good teacher."

"Is she now?" I grin, my eyes finding Bambi again. She's watching us, a soft smile on her face. "Well, I better go thank her for putting up with you hooligans."

I saunter over, Jac still clinging to my back like a furry backpack. "Hi there, beautiful."

Bambi rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of pink on her cheeks. “Hello. I see you've been promoted from chauffeur to pack mule."

"All part of the uncle service package," I wink. "So, about that dinner..."

She sighs. “It’s probably not a good idea."

"Come on," I wheedle. "What's the worst that could happen? You discover I have terrible table manners and never want to see me again?"

“Is that a possibility?” I love how the corners of her mouth twitch as though she’s trying to suppress a laugh.

I press on, channeling my inner smooth-talker. "I promise to chew with my mouth closed. Mostly. And I'll even comb my fur. What do you say?"

Bambi bites her lip, hesitating. "I'll...think about it."

Victory! Well, sort of. But hey, I'll take what I can get.

"Great!" I beam. "I'll eagerly await your decision. In the meantime, have a wonderful evening, teach."

As we head back to the transport, I feel her eyes on me. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking. Either way, I've got an extra spring in my step.

The moment we're in the transport and out of earshot, the teasing begins.

"Uncle Olwydd and Miss Bambi, sitting in a tree," Osian sing-songs.

"K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Elis and Jac join in.

I groan. "Really, guys? What are you, five?"

"Yes!” Jac announces proudly, “I am five.”

I can't help but laugh. "Fair point, squirt. But come on, cut your favorite uncle some slack."

"You like her," Osian states matter-of-factly.

"What gave it away? My smooth flirting or the fact that I'm voluntarily spending time with you rugrats?"

"Hey!" Elis protests. "We're delightful!"

I throw my head back and bark a laugh. "That you are, kiddo. That you are."

As we pull up to their cave, I brace myself for the chaos that's about to ensue. "Alright, gang. Your parents are having a night out tonight, so you're stuck with me."

"Yes!" Jac pumps his fist in the air.

---