Page 8 of Two Hearts Reunited

“They sure have,” Ashley replied. “They’ve even added on a new wing for rehab training with prosthetics.”

Brian grinned. “Ashley knows everything there is to know about the place. She and I are the ones who create the buzz for the annual Christmas charity event. This year we’re doing most everything online because of COVID. There are too many high-risk individuals involved with organizing the event.”

Ashley grimaced. “Hopefully, both sets of grandmas and grandpas will be here on Wednesday, the day of the charity event. Brian and I are going to have to go help out at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn. We’re part of the skeleton crew that will appear online and describe the items for auction.”

Feeling a tug on his shoelace, Eric glanced down at Arielle, who looked like she was ready to start climbing along his leg and onto his lap.

Eric started laughing. “Well, if not, even though I have no experience with kids, I’ll do what I can if you need me to. Speaking of which…”

Somehow, Arielle had managed to roll into a sitting position, propping herself up against Eric’s leg.

Both Ashley and Brian laughed.

Standing, Ashley scooped up Arielle, resting her on Eric’s lap. “There you go, sweetheart. I didn’t introduce you to your Uncle Eric, did I?”

Gently, Eric rested his hands under the baby’s arms, bouncing her lightly up and down before bussing his nose against hers and making a game of it.

She seemed happy, gurgling and smiling.

“I haven’t looked outside for a while,” Brian said, standing to approach the wide picture window overlooking the lake. “If I’m not mistaken, the snow’s still coming down pretty hard.”

Reaching for a remote that was resting in a tray on the end table, Ashley punched a button, while Eric stared throughthe window too. As light spilled across the front porch, puffy snowflakes filled the air. The wind seemed to have finally died down.

“We didn’t put up many Christmas lights, except for on the front and back porch,” she observed.

“Next year, we’ll do more,” Brian said reassuringly. “The two of us have been somewhat sleep deprived and working from home has been a little challenging financially this year.”

“I get it. I’ll bet heating this place alone costs a fortune,” Eric said, continuing to bounce Arielle up and down.

“We’ve been considering some solar energy options. Or rather Ashley has been, since she gained a lot of knowledge from working on so many different construction sites,” Brian answered with a rueful grin.

Eric smiled as Arielle reached out to pinch his nose.

“Ouch,” he muttered, teasing.

Her hand moved down to lightly tap his lips, which he began smacking together.

Cocking her head, she appeared to be puzzled.

Until he made a smooching noise, kissing her cheek, something she most definitely recognized.

Eric stood, scooping Arielle into one arm and cradling her against him as he approached the window. Her eyes went wide as they looked outside together at the snow coming down.

Seeming excited, her fists bumped together.

“Look at that, Arielle,” Eric crooned softly. “Pretty soon, you’ll be out there playing in the snow.”

After standing in place for a few more minutes, he realized it was probably a little cold for the baby, even though it appeared that the window they were gazing through was relatively new.

“Come on. Let’s go back and talk with your mom and dad,” he said, turning and noticing the arrested look on Brian’s face.“What? Just because you’ve never seen me hold a baby before doesn’t mean that I’m afraid to.”

Ashley began laughing. “He’s probably remembering how terrified he was the first time he held Arielle in his arms.”

Eric grinned at Arielle, sitting back on the couch. “Arielle knows that her uncle is going to spoil her rotten.”

Brian laughed. “Just like everyone else.”

Arielle began smacking her lips together.

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