Page 57 of Forbidden Love

“Talk to her before it’s too late.”

The teacher from Maggie’s class came onto the stage, and Natalie turned her attention to her. Kylie slipped in next to me and leaned in to say, “Sorry I’m late.”

“You didn’t miss anything. It’s just starting.”

“Oh good. I was worried.”

I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into my side, touched that she was genuinely interested in a five-year-old’s school play, especially when we’d only been together for a short while.

She surprised me by snuggling into my side and kissing my cheek. I loved attending Maggie’s and Delaney’s school events, but having someone to share it with was something else. I wasn’t sure which play it was, but the kids were dressed as trees, bushes, and animals. It was adorable.

It wasn’t supposed to be a funny story, but it was comical when the kids messed up.

“This is the best. Thank you for inviting me,” Kylie said at the end.

My heart squeezed as I kissed her upturned lips.

At the end, the kids came out and bowed, some of their costumes already worn and falling apart.

Sam held a bouquet of roses as we waited in the hallway for the performers. When Maggie came out with a few other friends, she burst into a run and jumped into Sam’s arms.

It was the first time I was jealous of my brother. I wanted someone to look at me like that. When wasn’t it enough to be the favorite uncle?

Sam handed Maggie the bouquet, and she squealed with delight as she buried her face in the petals and sneezed.

Everyone laughed, and then they were congratulating her on an amazing performance. It probably wasn’t the best I’d ever seen, but it was the cutest.

I kept my arm around Kylie the entire time.

“Can we get ice cream?” Maggie asked Sam.

He took her hand. “Of course.”

We walked outside, agreed on the ice cream store, and moved toward our vehicles.

Kylie paused before we got to my truck. “I drove separately. I guess I’ll see you later.”

“You’re not coming?” I asked, a little surprised.

Her forehead wrinkled. “Do you want me to? It seems like a family thing.”

Kylie wasn’t family, but it sure felt like she fit in with us. “Please.”

She tipped her head to the side. “If you’re sure?”

“Get in the truck. I’ll bring you back to your car later.”

A smile spread over Kylie’s face as she said, “Okay.”

On the ride downtown, Kylie said, “Thanks again for inviting me. That was just too cute.”

I smiled widely. “Best thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Except when Sam handed her the bouquet. It was so sweet. I don’t remember my parents going to many of my games, much less buying me flowers. I guess that’s something you do in theater or music, not softball.” Her voice trailed off.

I reached over to hold her hand. “Has anyone ever sent you flowers?”

Her nose scrunched, and then she huffed out a laugh. “You know, I don’t think so.”

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