Page 45 of Amaris Rejected

Minette walks into the room. "Hello, Devon," she greets.

I’m shocked that she recognizes me. The last time I saw her, she hardly spoke. "Hello, Minette. How are you feeling?"

"Good. Thanks for asking." She sits down, places her hands in her lap, and falls silent as if she has already reached her conversational limits.

"Mom and I have been working on getting her comfortable around people again," Amaris offers.

Minette sighs nervously.

"I’ve started her on some medications and supplements to flush the toxins and poisons from her system," Amaris continues. “She helps with household chores and caring for Zoe. In her spare time, she reads and plays games to stimulate her mind. The library is hosting a crocheting workshop, which should improve her fine motor skills, and hopefully, she’ll make new friends. It won't be long before she regains her strength and confidence. Right, Mom?

Minette looks up and meets Amaris's gaze. "That's right, darling." She smiles.

"Right, Mama! Daddy!" Zoe chatters away, waving her spoon in the air.

"Great!" Amaris grins. "Let's eat!"

Later that evening, we all gather on the porch with a cool glass of lemonade. Zoe and I sit on the swing, her head bobbing as I gently sway us back and forth. Amaris and Minette relax in rockers while a soft, warm breeze drifts over us.

Amaris joins us on the swing and reaches for a sleeping Zoe, but I tighten my hold on her.

"Please," I implore. "Just a little longer."

"Sure,” she replies softly, nodding.

"Dinner was delicious, Amaris.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your help putting the leftovers away and loading the dishwasher,” she says, smiling.

"It's part of my job," I grin. "I have to earn my keep."

She curls her legs underneath her, lays her head back on the cushions, and closes her eyes. "Mmmmm." She hums with pleasure as I continue to glide us in a slow, methodical rhythm that’s mesmerizing.

"Amaris?"

"Mmm?" she breathes, unmoving.

"I’ll be here until Sunday night."

Slowly she opens one eye and peers over at me, as if wondering where I’m headed with this.

"I’d love to take you on a picnic tomorrow. Then, how about a family outing on Sunday with Zoe and even Minette, if you’d like? What do you think?"

"Okay," she murmurs drowsily, shrugging.

"Okay?" I chuckle, surprised yet pleased.

She lifts her head, widens her eyes slightly, and nods. "Yes," she confirms. Then, closing her eyes, she relaxes against the cushions with a soft sigh, looking unaffected as if she didn’t just turn my world upside down.

"All right then." Rue hums in pleasure. I smile and kiss Zoe on the head.

Baby steps.

Chapter 32 - Rue's Vow

Devon

I really want this weekend to be special. I know Amaris is pretty much done with our relationship, but I finally understand what went wrong. No excuses. I know I messed up the best thing I ever had, but from now on, I’ll always put her first, regardless of my place in her life. Whether I’m her partner or just her baby daddy, she and Zoe will always come first.

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