The park buzzed with the laughter of children, and the sound of Kyra's footsteps chasing after Harper filled the air. Kyra was always the energetic one, easily matching Harper's endless supply of joy and curiosity. Alessia sat on a nearby bench, her eyes never leaving the two as they darted across the playground. The sight of Kyra, her fiancée, laughing while trying to catch a giggling Harper sent a warmth through Alessia that she couldn't quite explain.
Harper shrieked with delight, her small legs carrying her just fast enough to avoid Kyra's grasp. But Kyra was determined, her arms outstretched, a playful smirk on her face as she teased, "I'm gonna get you, Harps!"
The chase ended as Kyra swooped down, scooping Harper into her arms, both of them breathless from laughter. Kyra spun her around once before hoisting Harper up onto her hip and making her way back toward Alessia, still catching her breath. Harper rested her head on Kyra's shoulder, her energy starting to wane after all the running.
Alessia smiled, watching them approach. The image of Kyra holding Harper, so effortlessly playful and nurturing, made her heart swell. In that moment, a vision crept into her mind—a vision of Kyra in the same way, but with their own child. She imagined the same laughter, the same chase, only this time with a little one of their own, someone with Kyra's eyes, her energy. The thought stayed with her, softening her features even more as Kyra reached the bench.
"You're sweating all over," Alessia teased, raising an eyebrow at Kyra's flushed cheeks. "And Harper looks a little tired." She turned her gaze to Harper, who gave a drowsy smile, her head still resting against Kyra.
Kyra nodded, catching her breath, and then her eyes lit up. "Hey, Harps," she said, adjusting the little girl on her hip. "How about we head to the bakery for a little treat, huh?"
Harper perked up slightly, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand. "Will Lessi come with us?" she asked in her small, tired voice, looking over at Alessia.
Kyra grinned at the question, glancing toward Alessia with that familiar smirk that always made Alessia's heart skip. "Of course Lessi's coming with us," Kyra said with a playful wink. "She's stuck with me for the rest of her days."
Alessia burst out laughing, standing up from the bench. "You're lucky I love you, Cooney-Cross," she said, rolling her eyes. "Now let's go, and try not to drop the baby. Cooney-Cross."
Kyra lifted Harper onto her shoulders with ease, and Harper giggled, holding onto Kyra's head to keep her balance. "I'm a pro at this, Less," Kyra called over her shoulder. "No babies getting dropped today!"
They made their way down the path to the bakery, Harper giggling every time Kyra exaggerated her steps, making Harper bounce on her shoulders. Alessia watched them, her heart light and full. Kyra had a way of bringing out joy in anyone, especially Harper. And Alessia found herself daydreaming again—about their future, about the family they would have someday.
___
Inside the bakery, the air smelled sweet, the rich scent of fresh pastries and coffee wrapping around them. Alessia guided them to a small table by the window. "I'll grab us a table. You two go and make an order," she said, gesturing toward the counter.
Kyra took Harper's hand as they approached the display case. "Harps, let's see what sweets they've got today," she said, crouching down to Harper's level so they could inspect the treats together.
Alessia settled into the chair, resting her chin on her hand as she watched the two of them through the glass. She couldn't help but smile at the sight Kyra patiently listing off the different sweets to Harper, and Harper struggling to decide, her little brow furrowed in concentration. It was another glimpse of what their future might be like, and Alessia's heart swelled again at the thought.
