Page 183 of Dream House
Love. Adoration. Admiration. Awe. I see it all in that stunning blue.
Maisy looks back and forth between us wearing a curious frown.
“You’re not making breakfast today.” His grip on my hand is firm.
I give him a smile, but he needs to be reasonable. After last night, everyone is going to be famished and gravitating toward the comfort of the kitchen.
“It’s no trouble,” I say. “I’ll just whip up a—”
“No. Maisy and I will get doughnuts.”
My daughter’s eyes go wide. “I can come? Can I get a jelly filled?”
“Sure. If you get one for me,” Lark says.
She beams. “Uncle T likes jelly doughnuts too.”
Lark nods soberly. “Maybe we need a whole dozen.”
Maisy’s soft gasp is all wonder. And then she tackles Lark in a hug. “Oooh,” she squeals. “You’re thebest!”
Laughing, Lark hugs her tight. My heart turns over. It’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. Then he executes an ab curl, bringing them to sitting. No easy feat. Maisy may be four, but she’s hefty.
“Go get dressed,” he tells her. “The Jelly Doughnut Jeep leaves in five minutes.”
Maisy scrambles off the bed. I’m ready for her to tear out of the room, but she stops and looks at Lark. Then me. Then Lark again.
“Are you Mama’s boyfriend now?”
I bite my lip. We’ve declared our feelings, but we haven’t used words likeboyfriendorgirlfriend.It’s silly, considering, but I still hesitate.
“Um—” I start.
“Yes,” Lark announces. He looks from Maisy to me, cocking an eyebrow as if daring me to contradict.
Not on my life.
“Yes,” I agree on a nod.
Maisy’s brows lower as she side-eyes us. “Are you gonna kiss and be gross?”
“Yes.” Lark’s tone leaves no room for doubt. “Very gross.”
Maisy’s eyes widen. This answer is more than she bargained for. And even though she’s too innocent to even picture anything beyond kissing, a blush sizzles on my cheeks.
She screws up her little face like she’s trying to work out a puzzle. “Are you gonna get married?”
“Well—” Lark says.
“No,” I say at the same time.
I look at Lark. He looks at me. I raise a brow. He presses his lips together.
But Maisy isn’t done. “Are you gonna go on dates?”
“Yes,” Lark answers with an affirmative nod.
“Can I come?”
