Page 62 of Open Arms

“Chlo!” Abby wriggled free, racing over to wrap Chloe in an equally enthusiastic hug. “You both came to get me!”

“We sure did,” Chloe replied, her voice steadier than it had been all day. There was a magic to Abby’s joy, infectious and pure.

“Alright, you two,” I laughed, “let’s head home. I reckon we’ve got some serious fun to get into.”

“Fun? Like what, Daddy?” Abby’s eyes sparkled, her curiosity as boundless as the Montana sky.

“Let’s just say,” I winked at Chloe, knowing she’d appreciate the mystery, “it’s gonna be delicious.”

“Yay!” Abby cheered, clapping her hands as we all climbed back into the truck.

I caught Chloe’s eye as I started the engine, a silent promise passed between us.

“Did you know we painted today?” Abby bubbled from the back seat, her words tumbling over each other in excitement. “I made a green horse!”

“Green, huh?” I glanced at her through the rearview mirror, my eyebrow raised playfully. “That’s an interesting choice.”

“Because they’re magical, Daddy!” She giggled, her imagination a wildfire that couldn’t be contained.

“Of course,” I chuckled. “What was I thinking?”

“Chlo, what’s your favorite color?” Abby turned her attention to Chloe, who had been quietly soaking in the familial warmth.

“Um, blue,” Chloe answered, a tentative smile on her lips.

“Like the sky or like the ocean?” Abby pressed on, her curiosity insatiable.

“Like the sky,” Chloe replied, her voice gaining strength.

“Good choice,” I said, shooting Chloe a grin. The simple exchange felt like a victory, a step towards something lighter, something better.

“Abby, how about we cook home-made pizzas tonight?” I suggested, already envisioning the warmth of the kitchen, the three of us moving in a dance of domesticity.

“I can help?” Her voice was hopeful, and it swelled my heart to bursting.

“Darlin’, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I winked at Abby in the mirror. Without thinking, I grabbed Chloe’s hand and held it in mine, pulling it to me to rest against my thigh. She didn’t seem to notice at first either, until a delighted squeal came from the backseat.

“Are you two in love?” Abby asked excitedly, at the same time Chloe tried to pull her hand away. I decided it was high time we be honest with my little girl . . . and ourselves. But I wasn’t about to tell Chloe I loved her for the first time here like this. So I just pulled her hand back to me and squeezed it.

“Do you think we’d make a good couple, Abs?”

Abby’s voice had a hint of exasperation aimed at her old man. “Um, yes, I’ve been wishing for it ever since Chloe became my best friend.”

“Oh really now? Well why didn’t you say anything?”

“Daddy, you can’t interfere with love. It’s bad luck.”

Chloe laughed, and turned around to wink at Abby. I knew then, that I’d be outnumbered for the rest of my life and I was nothin’ short of elated about it.

“Alright, team,” I announced as I pulled into the driveway, “Operation Pizza Night is a go.” Abby cheered from the back seat, and even Chloe’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

The kitchen hummed with the kind of warmth that only a home filled with laughter and the scent of garlic could muster. Chloe stood at the counter, her hands expertly guiding the knife through a ripe tomato, while I manned the sauce, letting it simmer to perfection.

“Is this thin enough?” she asked, holding up a slice for inspection.

“Perfect,” I confirmed with an approving nod, unable to stop the grin from stretching across my face. “You’ve got some serious skills, Chlo.”

“I know a thing or two,” she shot back, and there was that wit I’d come to adore. Her eyes met mine, a flicker of playfulness in their blue depths.

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