Page 70 of One Touch

“Okay,” said Ava, nodding eagerly.

As she began to read, her voice growing more confident with each word, I felt a lump form in my throat.

This kid. This sweet, smart, resilient kid. She’d been through so much, and yet here she was, tackling her challenges head-on with a smile.

I put my arm around her shoulder and squeezed.

We stayed like that for a long time.

***

It was much later when we heard a key turning in the front door lock.

“Is that Daddy?” Ava asked, before breaking into a yawn.

I nodded. “Get ready.”

A moment later, the door swung open, and Ethan strode in, his face lined with exhaustion. He shrugged off his jacket and threw it over the banister.

“Ava, you’re still up?” he asked gruffly. “It’s way past your bedtime.”

Ava’s face fell, the book lowering to her lap. “But Daddy, I was just—”

“No buts. Bed. Now.” Ethan rubbed a hand over his face, clearly tired from his long day. “Lily, I’m surprised you let her stay up this late.”

I swallowed away a twinge of guilt. “Ethan, wait a moment. Ava has something she wants to show you.”

His blue eyes met mine, a flash of annoyance passing through them. “Lily, I appreciate you watching her, but it’s late and I’m beat.”

“She’s very, very excited, Ethan. Just give her a minute.Please.” I held his gaze, silently urging him to give me a chance.

Something in my expression must have gotten through. His shoulders sagged, the fight draining out of him. “All right, Ava-Raver. What is it?”

Ava perked up, patting the couch beside her. “Come sit, Daddy. I want to read to you.”

Ethan’s brow furrowed in confusion, but he complied, sinking onto the cushion. Ava snuggled into his side, propping the book on her knees. She got out her trusty blue overlay and placed it on the page.

As she began to read, her small finger skimming beneath the words, I watched Ethan’s face transform. The weariness melted away, replaced by wonder, then pride. Tears glimmered in his eyes, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Ava’s voice filled the room, strong and clear. She stumbled here and there, but pushed on, determined. And with each page, Ethan’s arm tightened around her, holding her close.

By the time she had finished the chapter, we were all misty-eyed.

Ethan pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his voice rough with emotion. “That was incredible, honey. I’m so proud of you.”

Ava beamed, her face aglow. “Lily helped me. She got me the special overlay.”

Ethan’s gaze found mine, a wealth of gratitude shining in their depths. “Thank you,” he mouthed, and I felt my heart swell.

After a round of celebratory hot chocolates, I tucked Ava into bed, her prized book on the nightstand. I clicked off the light, padding softly downstairs to the living room.

Ethan was waiting, his tall frame silhouetted against the window. He turned as I entered, something simmering in his eyes that made my pulse quicken.

“Lily,” he said quietly. “You see things that I don’t.”

I stepped closer, drawn to his warmth. I could smell him now. The faint scent of engine oil and smoke. “I just wanted to help,” I said softly. “She’s an amazing kid, Ethan.”

“She is. And you’re amazing with her.” His hand came up, cupping my cheek. I leaned into his touch, my skin tingling.

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