Chapter 249:

Her face lit up. “Even though I don’t call her ‘Mom’ out loud yet, she gets me. She takes me to the doctor, buys me things, lets me go to school.”

But then her expression tightened with concern. “She doesn’t take care of herself, though. Her injuries aren’t better yet. But I kiss them, and she says it helps. My mom says when I kiss her booboos, they stop hurting.”

Brandon’s thoughts immediately went to Millie…

Her head had been wrapped in bandages the last time he saw her at the hospital. She’d fallen down the stairs. He wondered just how bad her injuries were. During their recent visit to the Moonlit Estate, he hadn’t had the chance to check on her.

A light breeze drifted by as he watched Ari color with impressive focus.

Brandon felt a quiet sense of peace settling over him.

This, he thought, was nice.

Time passed. Then, in the distance, he spotted Millie approaching the kindergarten.

Without thinking, he stepped back into the shade.

As soon as Millie entered the schoolyard, she spotted Ari perched on a stone bench, completely absorbed in her drawing. Just seeing her brought a smile to Millie’s face.

She walked over quietly, not wanting to interrupt. But Ari noticed her anyway.

“Millie!” Ari squealed joyfully, running straight into her arms.

Millie caught her effortlessly.

“I just finished a drawing!” Ari said eagerly, holding it out. “Do you like it?”

Millie took the paper and examined it with a warm smile. “It’s beautiful, Ari. You did a wonderful job.”

She kissed Ari on the cheek, making the girl giggle.

Carefully, Millie rolled up the drawing and set it aside. Then, she sat beside Ari, gently brushing her fingers over Ari’s forehead and cradling her small hands in hers.

She pulled out a wet wipe, cleaning Ari’s face and fingers, then opened a thermos and poured her some warm water, using the lid as a temporary cup.

Every motion was thoughtful and tender.

“Thank you,” Ari said after finishing her drink, passing back the lid with both hands.

“You’re welcome. Want some more?”

Ari nodded, and Millie poured another cup.

As she helped Ari retie her loosened ponytail and adjust her shoelaces, Millie asked how her day at kindergarten had been.

Ari had plenty to say. They both seemed to enjoy the moment.

From a distance, Brandon watched quietly.

If he and Millie had a child… would their life look something like this?

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