Page 123 of The Widower
“Is the tea I made good?”
“It’s delicious.”
“Then drink it properly, okay?” she said, all bossy, practically ordering me.
“Okay, got it.” I nodded obediently.
Hanna’s school had started a few days ago, and at first she wasn’t excited. I think she preferred being here, playing with everyone around the house. I’m her favorite—modesty aside—or at least I think I am. Joshua doesn’t join in most of her games, especially ones like this.Me, on the other hand… I’ve gotta admit, saying no to her is nearly impossible. I tried once a few days ago, and the look she gave me—those sad little eyes—it broke me.I gave in immediately. And for a man like me to go back on a decision? That’s saying something.
“Uncle Colin…”
“What is it?”
“When can I start dating?” she asked, staring right at me.
“Excuse me, what?!”
Of course I froze. Coming from a five-year-old, that was the last thing I expected.
“I just wanna know when I can kiss someone on the mouth,” she said, smiling shyly and showing her tiny teeth.
“Never!” I blurted, raising my voice. “What kind of question—”
I stopped myself. Sometimes I forget I’m talking to a five-year-old.
“But I see people doing it,” she tried to argue.
“They’re adults. You’re a kid.You can do that in, say… fifteen years or so.”
I’m terrible at this. I have zero talent for conversations about boyfriends or—God forbid—kissing.
“Okay, Uncle Colin. It’s just that… I saw you and Mommy kissing on the mouth.”
I froze. And here I thought things couldn’t get worse.
“Are you sure? Maybe you saw it... wrong?”
Great excuse, Colin.
“Nope. It’s been a few days now.”She grinned.
“I… I’m sorry, Hanna. I—uh—I don’t even know what to say.”
It’s rare for me to feel embarrassed or awkward, but right then, I had no idea where to hide my face. I was completely thrown off and couldn’t even come up with a decent excuse.
“Okay. My mom liked it—she was laughing after you left.”
I raised an eyebrow. That kid was way too sharp for her age.
“Does Isabelle know you saw?”
“I don’t think so. I didn’t tell my mommy anything.Do you want me to tell her?” Her little eyes sparkled.
“No!” I blurted out so fast that she jumped. “Let’s keep this secret between us, okay?”
“Okay.”
We went back to playing, but about fifteen minutes after our little “grown-up” talk, Isabelle walked toward us, arms crossed.
