Page 1 of Stolen Kisses

–one–

–emma–

Idon’t really feel likeworking in the garden today, but I noticed the moving van pull up next door … and well, I’m anosy parker. So here I am on the one day I could dress up and hang out at the mall uninterrupted, on my hands and knees, ass in the air, pulling weeds. When Nancy told mejust over a monthago that she was selling, I didn’t think I’d be getting new neighbors so quickly. The house is beautiful and recently renovated, so I completely understand why it sold so fast. If I was in a better financial position, I would have bought it myself. It’s bigger than my place, which I think I’ll need as the boys get bigger. I haven’t laid eyes on the new owners yet because I’m doing my best not to be conspicuous, so I have my ass facing their house, which sort of inhibits my ability to spy.

“Hello, lady.”

Sheet! She certainly snuck up on me. I almost jump out of my skin. Raising my head, I’m greeted by the most beautiful little girl I think I’ve ever seen. Stunning clear blue eyes the color of the sky, long honey-brown hair, which looks like it needs a good brush, a pouty mouth, and gorgeous olive skin.

“Uh, hello.” I rest my ass on my feet, brushing my bangs out of my face. At a guess, she must be around four years old. I look around to see where her parents are. I would never let my boys speak to a stranger on their own. “Where’s your mommy and daddy?”

“Idunnowhere my daddy isand my mommy’s gone to heaven.”Oh!My heart cracks for this little girl. She comes closer, squatting down to inspect the garden bed I’m working on. She points a chubby finger as she scrunches up her little button nose. “Is that a worm?”

I tear my eyes away from her to check what she’s pointing at. “Uh, yeah. Looks like it. The soil must be pretty healthy for the worm to live here.”

She giggles.“He’svewywiggly.”

“Yeah, he’s pretty wriggly.” I look back next door to see if I can spot her dadbut there’s nobody in sight.

“Have you got kids?”

“Um, yeah, I do. Two boys.”

“What’stheir names?”

“My oldest boy is Lachlanand my youngest son is Austin. What’s your name?”

“Kenny.” Such an unusual name for a little girl, but I think it suits her. “Where are they?” She looks around as if they’re playing close by and she’s missed them somehow.

“Well, Kenny. They’re visiting theirnanaand poppa today.”

“When will they be home?”

“Not until tomorrow. They’re having a sleepover.”

She huffs out a sigh. “I wanted to playwivsomeone.”

“Sorry. Maybe you could ask your daddy if you could come back tomorrow afternoon?”

“Idunnowhere my daddy is. I’mwivmy uncle.”

“Are you helping him move in?”

“I’m notweallymuch help. He says I’m too little.” She drops down to sit on her bottom next to me. “Can I staywivyou?”

“Won’t your uncle be worried where you are?”

She rolls her sparkling eyes. “He’s busy in his workshop. He said I’m not allowed in there.”

Well, I guess if he’s too busy to watch his niece, at least I’ll know she’s safe if I’m watching her. “Sure. Youwannahelp pull the weeds out?”

“Okay.”

I show her which plants are the weeds then give her my small trowel so she can dig them out. I don’t have any gloves small enough to fit her, so her hands will get dirty. Better than playing on the street unsupervised,though. I’ll have to give her uncle a piece of my mind.

She gets to work and for a short while, shefocusesfully on her task. The sheer concentration on her face is adorable.

“What’s your name?”

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