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As they walked, the young daughter of one of the attorneys kept running ahead of them, spinning around, then running back and circling them. She was adorable with wide blue eyes and a smooth brown bob.
“What’s your name?” the little girl asked him.
“I’m Franky. Who are you?”
“Fiona.”
Franky looked over at Skylar, who had a knowing expression on her face.
“That’s a pretty name,” Skylar told her.
“What’s your name?” the girl asked.
“I’m Skylar, but my friends call me Sky.”
Fiona’s eyes grew wider, and she pointed up. “Like the sky up there?”
“Yep.”
She smiled. “I like that name. I wish my name was Sky.”
“Why? Your name’s so pretty.”
“It is?”
Skylar nodded. “Pretty, just like you.”
Fiona grinned and squeezed between them, grabbing hold of their hands.
They laughed as they walked, swinging their arms and lifting her until she was squealing with delight.
“Is she bothering you?” Fiona’s dad asked.
“Not at all,” Franky replied.
Fiona kept them entertained for a good portion of the walk until they reached the area of the bridge with the open grates. That freaked her out, and she was in her daddy’s arms in a flash.
Skylar seemed to be a little freaked out herself. “I don’t like the grates.”
“They’re safe.”
“I know, but you can see straight down to the water. I don’t want to think about falling down there.”
He reached over and wound his fingers through hers. “You’re not going to fall. Cars drive over these daily.”
Her gaze met his, and she gave him the sweetest smile before turning back to watch where she was going.
He couldn’t take his eyes off of her, and her smooth, soft hand in his made his heart beat a little faster.
She gripped his hand firmly as they walked, oblivious to his stare. His fingers intertwined with hers seemed to give her the strength she needed to make it across the grates and onto the final stretch of solid pavement. He could feel the moment relief came over her when her hold loosened.
“Better?” he asked.
“Much.”
“Good.” He kept holding her hand because he wanted to.
Skylar’s cell phone rang, and she pulled it out of her pocket. Her eyes widened when she saw the screen, and she answered immediately. “Genevieve! It’s so good to hear from you. How are you?” She watched the ground in front of them as she listened. “I think Sebastian is staying at the lake house for the holiday. Why?” A huge smile spread across her face at whatever Genevieve was saying. “You are? Does this mean what I think it means?” She looked over at Franky with excitement in her eyes as she listened. “You’re very welcome. Good luck!”