Page 49 of Babydoll

I can’t hold back my grin. “I’m excited to meet Reece. You’ve talked about her so much. You can be my caveman later. Introduce me to Reece already.”

“Let’s do it.”

Jeff jumps out of the SUV and walks around to my side to open the door. I take his offered hand and jump down with ease even though my heart is pattering like a hummingbird’s.

“Have I mentioned how beautiful you look today?”

“You have, Daddy Grizz, but feel free to keep mentioning it. They’re the first new clothes I’ve bought in over a year.” We walk arm in arm to the door. “Three squares and a bed do a body good, too though.”

Jeff glances behind me at my ass which I know fills out my fitted sweater dress quite nicely. “Three squares are definitely helping. I love that your ass is starting to plump back up.”

“You’re terrible.”

“Yeah, I am,” he replies and pulls me closer.

The porch is perfectly decorated with several beautiful table and chair sets that make me want to sit and drink tea in the morning. Maybe I will when the weather warms. Although technically spring is a few weeks away, it’s still too chilly.

I release Jeff as he opens one of the double doors and ushers me into the foyer.

“Uncle Jeff!” A little red-haired cherub comes flying around the corner and launches herself into Jeff's arms. Without missing a beat, he catches her, setting her onto his hip.

“Hey Reece’s Pieces.” He tickles her under the chin and she giggles. “This is Lulah,” he announces and the sweet little Reece reaches out her hand for me.

“Hello, Lulah. I’m Reece Grizell.” She gives Jeff the side eye and he tugs on one of her curls. “Not Reece’s Pieces. I’m pleased to meet your acquaintance.”

“It’s make your acquaintance,” Jeff whispers in her ear. She smiles and nods. “But you could just say hi.”

“I mean, hi, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

I press my lips to hold back my smile. “The pleasure’s all mine, Reece Grizell,” I say and take her little hand to shake.

“Do you like My Little Pony? Not the toys, but the game? It was my mama’s. Me and Grandma are just about to play in the kitchen. You can play too. My grandma likes you.”

“Well I’ve never played it before, but I’m a fast learner. And I like your grandma too.”

Jeff sets the little girl down and helps me remove my coat.

“Have you played any games?” she asks, taking my hand.

“Most of the games where I grew up were missing pieces or just broken. So I read a lot.”

“What’s your favourite book?” She tugs me forward.

“From back then?” I look skyward and think. “I really enjoyed Charlotte’s Web.”

“Oh, Grandma,” she calls. “Do we have Charlotte’s Web in our collection?”

I look back at Jeff hanging our coats and he waves me forward, mouthing the words, I told you so.

Jeff’s mom confirms that they do and Reece does the cutest little dance when she does.

“Will you read it to me tonight at bedtime?”

I suck in my bottom lip, relief and happiness battering my eyes. “Of course.”

“Only two chapters, Reece,” Jeff calls out, and when Reece looks disappointed I hold up three fingers. She smiles instantly and conspiratorially.

“I knew you were cool.”

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