Page 136 of Return to Us
“This isn’t my place. It’s yours.”
I want to argue with her, but it’s much better to just let it drop for now. “Keep thinking, love. We have time, but we do need to think of another name.”
Her hand moves to mine over where the baby is safely growing. “We have time for that too.”
“We have months at least.”
Amelia comes running over, and Jess steps forward to look at the small bunny she’s carrying in her hand. “Do you think I can keep it?” Amelia asks.
I scoop her up in my arms. “We have a monkey already, we don’t need anything else.”
She pouts her lower lip. “I want a rabbit.”
“I don’t think so.”
Jessica moves closer, her eyes dance with mischief. “I thought you said something about a dog?”
I glare at her. “I love you, but don’t encourage her.”
Melia’s eyes brighten. “I love dogs.”
“I know, and I said when you turned five, we’d talk about it.”
“I’m almost five.”
“Yes, I know, but I was thinking we could talk about getting something else.” I try to divert her attention to what I came out here for. “Do you remember what we talked about?” I ask Melia.
Her eyes widen, and she nods.
“What are you two up to?” Jess asks, looking at Melia since she’s definitely the one likely to spill it.
“Nothing,” she says with a coy smile.
“Hmm, I don’t believe you.”
Amelia covers her mouth and giggles. “I can’t tell!”
Jess’s eyes widen. “So, thereisa secret?”
She nods.
Jessica creeps closer, keeping her voice low. “What if I promise not to tell your daddy?”
I give Amelia a grin and shake my head. “Don’t do it.”
“Daddy! You tell her.”
“Fine. I’ll tell her our big secret.” I sigh dramatically, putting Amelia back down on the ground and dropping to my knee. Amelia kneels next to me.
I reach back, grabbing the ring from my jacket pocket.
“Oh my God.” Jessica gasps as I lift it.
“I guess it’s not a secret so much as a question. A long time ago, I met a girl, and she stole my heart. I thought I’d learned to live without it, but then she brought it back, and I realized how much I needed it—but mostly I needed her.”
Amelia whispers, “He means you.”
Jessica laughs and wipes her tears as she whispers back, “Thanks.”
