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And there was that tickle in my throat again, along with a burning in my eyes as the little one held me in an affectionate chokehold.

I watched Zarina soften a little as well, only hardening when Evie turned back to look at her.

“I’m gonna count to three,” she held up three fingers and the toddler’s eyes widened in panic. Evie gasped then, abandoning the spoon on the floor and tearing past Zarina and sprinting back into the dining area.

Zarina shook her head, chuckling a little as she came to me and draped herself over my lap. I pulled her close, nuzzling against her cheek and taking in her warmth.

She was my own personal dose of sunshine.

“So,” she traced small circles on my bicep, looking a little shy for maybe the first time in her life. “You really think you’re gonna keep coming to these?”

I scoffed, shaking my head.

“Baby, I’m planning on following your ass around for the rest of my damn life.”

The End.

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