Page 71 of Mr. Almost

“If you’re sure.”

“Money isn’t an issue, sweetheart.”

Livvy rolls her eyes. “What do you want to drink?”

“If you could just get me one of those flavored vitamin waters, that would be great. Just not the coconut one.”

“The coconut one, got it,” she says sarcastically before walking off.

“Your mommy’s silly,” I tell Ari.

“I know,” Ari says as she takes my hand and starts pulling me toward the monkey bars.

“All right, ready?” I ask as we come to stand underneath the bars.

“Ready!”

I pick her up by the waist and lift her up. Without me prompting her to, Ari grabs onto the bars. She reaches for the next one, but her arms aren’t quite long enough to reach, so I help her out. When we make it to the end and back, she sags against my shoulder.

“Oof, that made me tired.”

“Did it? Does that mean you’re ready to go home?” I chuckle.

Ari shakes her head. “No, I don’t wanna go home, but do you think Mommy got me some water?”

“I bet she did. Should we go find out?”

“Yes, please.”

“Do you want me to put you down?”

Ari shakes her head no, so I turn her around in my arms. As soon as I do, she rests her head on my shoulder.

“Love you, Daddy.”

My heart stutters.

She loves me.

I know she does. Hell, Livvy just told me she did, but hearing it come from her mouth for the first time is…indescribable.

“I love you too,” I rasp, full of emotion.

Livvy frowns when she sees us approaching. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything is perfect.”

“Are you sure?” Livvy presses.

“Positive. I’ll tell you later.”

“Okay.” Her eyes move to our daughter and soften. “Are you ready to go home?”

Ari shakes her head. “No, I want to play a little bit longer, but I need a drink.”

Livvy grabs an unopened bottle off the bench she was sitting on and holds it out.

“Down, please,” Ari says, so I set her down.

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