It was a beautiful day for a picnic. The sun wasn’t too hot, the bugs weren’t out, and the park wasn’t crowded. You felt nothing but bliss as the shared laughter between you and Jeffory filled the air, along with the cute and high-pitched giggles of Abby.

When Jeffory had called you saying he couldn’t find a babysitter for your date, you weren’t the least bit bothered by it. In fact, the thought of the sweet girl joining the two of you in the park sounded like the perfect day, and there were no regrets as the girl you’d grown fond of ran circles around the two of you on the picnic blanket.

“Look at this flower, mommy!” Abby suddenly says, flashing you a gap-toothed grin as she holds a tiny white flower in front of your face.

Jeffory’s eyes widen a fraction, the bright green of his irises flicking from the blonde girl to you—gauging your reaction as his mind races with the proper thing to say. “That’s… beautiful, honey!”