Thread: One Night...Forever Changed (Reydan and LingeringDesire)

He looked an Kenzie for a long moment. She looked a little older than he remembered her being two years ago, but the face of a close friend still smiled in concern from behind those tired eyes. I've effed it up Kenz he said, conscious of little ears just below them on the carpet, too much too early. I've probably scared her off. His eyes drifted to her little ones. He smiled. He loved his nephew and niece. They were little bundles of joy. He picked up Billy, bouncing him on his knee as he continued. You know I've held a candle for your sister for years he continued in a low voice. Loved her for years and years. Since we were kids. Taking the infant from him, Kenzie calmly placed the kid back on the floor with his sister, and then, with a grin, punched him lightly in the shoulder. We all have doofus. Or at least those of us with half a brain. Not sure about the men in this family, but me and the Moms have known you two were perfect for each other for ever. She smiled sadly at him. I know Mait makes it complicated. I still can't believe my quiet little sister would have a fling with some random guy and then have the baby, but there it is. She shrugged. Modern life is complicated y'know? But Keel needs someone almost as much as you need a good woman to keep you in line. Now go and man up and get her. She waggled her eyebrows. Talking first and then you move those lips lower on her y'know? She wiggled her hips suggestively and peeled with laughter as a red-faced Matt got up and hurried to the kitchen. The kitchen was full of delicious smells. By his, admittedly poorly trained culinary nose, he thought it might be some sort of fish. Hi hi he called out, and the two women turned and waved, although Keeley didn't really meet his eyes. Not wanting to distract her from the hard work of preparing lunch for eight adults and three infants, he sat at the table next to Maitlyn. The little child was a delight, her bright eyes lighting up as she saw him sit down, and babbling hello in her little voice. Hi there little one he said, a huge grin spreading across his face. He felt a strange connection to this child, and everything else seemed to slip away as he leaned in to chat to the little girl. A picture book was on the table, covered with colourful images of animals, and he picked it up. The little girl clapped her hands in delight clearly he had discovered a favourite. Placing it in front of her he began to chat with her, trying to coax her into making the animal noises after naming them, marveling at just how bright Maitlyn seemed. She did a great sheep, an even better goat, and even, with a little help, a rooster. She stumbled on the pig, little eyes looking up at him beseechingly for assistance, and he grunted and snorted down at her making her squeal with laughter. The kitchen radio, tuned to some local pop station, was ticking over to another song and he found himself, as if in a dream, lifting the little girl out of her highchair and into his arms. She grinned at him, evidently delighted in being the centre of his world, and he hummed and bopped around the table with her, staying out of the way of the cooking. The song ended and he looked up. Keeley was looking at the two of them, her face full of something. Then he realised what an imposition this scene must have been to her. He had no right. He wasn't the father, wasn't even the uncle as he was with Kenz's kids. Gently he lowered a disappointed Maitlyn back into her highchair. Keeley he said, his voice anxious, have you got a moment to talk? He looked at his Mom for support. Go said his mother, purposefully not looking back, go, we won't be ready to serve for another ten minutes or so. Still gotta wait for your brother and Keeley's father to get back from the store with the wine. Matt stepped into the hallway and, not sure if she was following, across into the study, ready to shut the door to give them some privacy if she did join him.