Page 191 of Punishing His Runaway Bride
Looked like it was burning through the adults' energy too.
Leo chased in, one foot bare, hair a mess like a bird's nest, holding up a tiny sock. When he saw Macy already sprawled on me, his expression mixed frustration with laughter. "Macy! You're cheating!"
Juliet followed behind, hands on her hips, playing the little adult, but the corners of her mouth were turning up too. "Leo, I told you to put your shoes on first."
"But I did! Macy stole my sock!"
"Then why is your other foot bare. too?"
Leo looked down at his two bare feet, froze for a second, then said matter-of-factly, "Because it stole the other sock too."
Juliet rolled her eyes, the expression exactly like Ezio's. Sometimes I'd get this flash of confusion, feeling like this kid had a miniature, blonde version of Ezio living inside her—that matter-of-fact coldness, that look of wanting to laugh but holding it in, identical to her father.
"Alright, alright," I peeled Macy off me and pulled my robe together. "Come here, both of you."
Leo immediately pounced, like a little cannonball diving into my arms. His pajamas were wrinkled, his hair smelled like toothpaste—clearly he'd brushed his teeth himself. Juliet was more reserved, coming over to lean against my shoulder. She didn't throw herself on me like Leo, but her little hand quietly grabbed my sleeve.
Macy circled twice on the blanket, finally found a satisfactory spot, flopped down on Leo's legs, and let out a contented sigh.
"Vivi," Leo looked up at me, eyes bright. "What are we having for breakfast?"
"What do you want?"
"Chocolate pancakes!" he said immediately, then hesitated. "Can we?"
"Yes," I ruffled his hair. "But you need to comb your hair first and wash your face."
"I can comb my own hair!" Juliet said immediately.
"I know you can," I pinched her nose. "But will you help Leo too?"
Juliet glanced at Leo. "Fine. But Leo, you have to sit still and not move around."
"Okay." Leo drew out his answer.
I watched them run off hand in hand to wash up, Macy jumping off the blanket to follow, four stubby legs running fast.
Outside the window, sunlight had fully brightened, shining on the manor's lawn. The dew hadn't dried yet, reflecting scattered light. Someone was trimming the hedges in the distance, the mower's buzz mixing with birdsong.
I sat on the bed, listening to the water sounds and children's voices from the hallway, suddenly feeling a sense of unreality.
I got this feeling sometimes—whenever life got too good, I couldn't help wondering when it would be taken away.
I shook the thought off and got up to change clothes.
Twenty minutes later, the three of us, plus Macy, appeared in the dining room.
Ezio was already at the table, a newspaper spread before him, a cup of black coffee at his elbow. He wore a dark gray shirt, sleeves rolled to his forearms, revealing a stretch of solid wrist. He looked up at the sound, his gaze first pausing on me, then settling on the two children.
"Morning," he said, his voice still carrying a touch of early-morning rasp.
"Morning." I returned the greeting, sitting across from him.
"Daddy!" Juliet ran over, stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "Will you come home early today?"
"I'll try," he lifted her onto the chair beside him. "Why?"
"Because Vivi's teaching me a new move, and I want you to see!" Juliet's eyes shone. "It's a turn. Vivi says I'm doing really well."
