Page 13 of Moonlight & Matrimony
“I dropped her off at the house. She forgot her purse at the party, so I circled back to grab it. That’s when I found you. Are you sure you’re ok?” he asks. I feel his eyes on me, but I can’t bring myself to meet his stare for fear of what he might see in mine. I’ve never been very good at letting people see my vulnerability, and despite Luca’s soothing presence, I’m not ready to start.
Once we’re back on the road, I direct the way to Whispering Oaks Ranch. When we pass the big barn, I spot Russell Hayescoming up the drive on horseback. I roll down my window to say a quick hello but Russell beats me to it.
“Well, if it isn’t Miss Ivy Jo. Here to pick up the munchkin, I presume?”
“Yes sir,” I say. “Luca here was kind enough to give me a ride out. I don’t know if you’ve met. He’s Paige’s brother and, coincidentally, my new neighbor.” Russell gives Luca a once-over before bringing his gaze back to me. “You go on up to the house, Ivy girl. Evie’s been baking up a storm. Rylin’s been keeping her on her toes today.”
I shake my head, not doubting a single word. “Thanks. I’m sure she had the best time.”
“That she did, my girl. And we love having her. Go on now.” I smile back at my surrogate father with affection, then motion for Luca to continue the short drive to the main house. When the large white farmhouse comes into view, I find a tiny figure wearing footie pajamas, bouncing up and down the front porch steps with a tiny kitten nipping at her feet. Luca pulls to a stop, and I don’t waste any time scooping my girl up into my arms for a big bear hug.
“Mommy!”
“I missed you so much, Ry! Did you have a good day?”
“Miss you too, Mommy. We made cookies and cupcakes!”
“You did? Did you tell Gigi thank you?”
I glance up to find Evelyn watching the exchange with a soft expression on her face. “She was a perfect angel, as always,” she says. “How was Paige’s baby shower? I hated to miss it but I told her we’d grab lunch soon.”
“It was perfect. She said to thank you for the quilt, though I’m sure she’ll be calling you first thing to do it herself.”
“I don’t doubt that for a second,” she says with an affectionate smile. “You must be Luca? You look so much like your sister.”
“I get that a lot,” he says, reaching out for a handshake. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. I’ve heard a lot about you,” she smirks.
Luca’s face falls, but Evelyn waves him off with a laugh. “All good things, I promise. You best be getting this little lovebug back home. She’s been bouncing off the walls after she snuck one too many chocolate chip cookies when I wasn’t looking.”
“Sorry,” Rylin says as she buries her face in my neck with a sleepy sigh.
“It’s okay, honey. You deserve a little treat now and then. I’ll see you soon, okay?” Evelyn wraps us in a group hug before sending us on our way with a container full of baked goods.
“Hi, Mr. Luca,” Rylin says as we approach the truck.
“Hey there, little one. Did you have a good day?”
“Uh-huh,” she responds with a yawn. The sugar high is about to come down hard, and I’m certain she’ll be passed out before we even leave the ranch.
“Come on, love. Let’s get you home to bed.” I load her into her car seat, making sure that her harness is secure before we head back to our neighborhood. The drive is silent, and I keep my gaze locked on the stars overhead. The moon is full, allowing a sense of peace to wash over me.
Before I know it, the truck slows and Luca’s hand touches my thigh.“Hey, we’re home,” he whispers.
Without a word, I carefully get out of the truck, making sure to shut my door quietly before I open the back door to a sleeping Rylin. “I better get this one up to bed. Thank you for everything, Luca.”
“Here, let me carry her,” he says, gently scooping her out of her car seat with ease. Her head immediately rests in the crook of his neck, and a hint of a smile tugs at his lips. I guess the tin man does have a heart.
I lead the way up the front walkway and unlock the door. Once we’re inside, I hold out my arms to take her from him, but he shakes his head.
“You’ve had a long day. Let me help you.”
With a resigned sigh, I guide him down the hallway to our bedrooms. Pulling back her rainbow kitten comforter, I motion for Luca to lay her down on the bed. I watch in awe as my grumpy neighbor gently tucks my daughter in, smoothing down her wayward curls in an achingly affectionate way that has my heart leaping out of my chest. Rylin’s tiny hand snakes out from under the covers and grasps two of his fingers in her fist. “Night night, Mr. Luca.”
“Goodnight, Bug.” Bringing her little fist to his lips, he gently kisses her fingers. Before I can stop them, tears start to well in my eyes. Not once in her four years of life did her own father give her that much affection. But here’s Luca, who’s never had children of his own, just giving his heart freely to my little girl. I just have to make suremyheart stays intact in the process.
Luca follows me into the hallway, gently pulling Rylin’s door closed.
