Page 161 of The Manny

I smiled at her. “We’re a family, right?”

“Yep.” She nodded. “Percy told me that he met a boy at the pond who has two mommies. Now I have two daddies.”

“That’s right.” I nodded.

“Speaking of the pond, how about the three of us go feed the ducks?” Thomas suggested. “Mia needs some exercise and I’d love some fresh air.”

I glanced at my watch. “I have about an hour to spare before I need to get back to the shop.”

“Perfect.” Thomas looked pleased that I was agreeable.

“In the old days, I’d have refused to go to the pond. I hope you’re impressed with how much I’ve grown emotionally.” I smirked.

“I’m very impressed,” Thomas said, grabbing a sweater for Mia.

“Mostly I’m agreeable to the idea because it’s a good excuse to hold your hand.” I slipped on a hoodie as I spoke. “I believe you young kids call it PDA?”

Thomas laughed. “What a hip guy you are.”

We left the house, and Mia ran ahead chasing after butterflies and talking to herself. Thomas’ hand felt warm in mine, and I sighed contentedly. I couldn’t understand what I’d been so afraid of. Being in love was wonderful. I finally felt like a part of something.

“This is our first official outing as a family,” I said quietly.

Thomas glanced over. “I guess that’s true.”

I tightened my fingers on his. “So, do you finally believe that what I feel for you is real?”

He nodded, kicking at a stone near his foot. “I do.”

“Good.”

“If you were going to back out, I believe you’d have done it ages ago.” He smiled at me. “But you’re still here.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

He grinned. “I wouldn’t let you. There was really never any hope of escape. I just let you think there was.”

“Fine by me.”

“Look, there’s a black duck today!” Mia ran toward the lake.

“Don’t get too close to the water’s edge, Mia,” I warned, walking faster.

She stopped at the sound of my voice. “Okay, Uncle Jack.”

Thomas chuckled, squeezing my hand. “You became what you feared most; a doting uncle.”

I sighed. “It’s not so bad after all.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.”

“Being in love is pretty great too.” I laughed. “I have no idea why I fought it for so long.”

He stopped walking and turned to me with a teasing smile. “Do you really love me, Jack?”

“Yes.” I smirked. “I can prove it too.”

“Really?” He arched one brow. “How?”

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