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THE MORNING SUN streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over your cozy living room. nicole, now four years old, was perched on the couch, swinging her legs back and forth as she hugged her favorite stuffed bear, one mattheo had given her on her last birthday. she was a little older now, with dark curls that fell around her shoulders, big, expressive eyes, and a laugh that was as bright and contagious as ever.
"are you excited, sweetheart?" you asked her, glancing over as you packed a small bag for her day out with mattheo. he had planned a special father-daughter outing for the two of them, and the excitement had been building in nicole for days.
nicole nodded eagerly, her smile wide. "yes! daddy said we're going to the park and to get ice cream and to see the horses!" her voice bubbled over with enthusiasm, and she hugged her bear tighter. "do you think daddy will let me ride one of the horses?"
you chuckled, smiling at the image. "if you ask nicely, i'm sure he might. but remember, you have to be careful, okay?"
she nodded, looking determined. "i will, mommy. i'll hold on really tight."
just then, mattheo walked into the room, his usual confident stride softened by the warm smile he wore. he was dressed casually, but the little touches of care - like the favorite charm bracelet on his wrist that nicole had gifted him at school last christmas - showed how much thought he put into his day with her. he knelt down, opening his arms. "alright, princess, are you ready?"
nicole launched herself into his arms, wrapping her little arms around his neck as he lifted her up, her delighted squeals filling the room. "i'm ready, daddy!" she exclaimed, her excitement reaching new heights.
"you packed everything?" mattheo asked you, glancing over with a playful smile. "we've got a lot on the agenda, right, little one?"
you nodded, handing him the small bag with a knowing smile. "all set. just don't spoil her too much, okay?"
mattheo gave you a soft laugh, his eyes twinkling. "what, me? spoil her? never." he kissed your cheek, his expression softening as he whispered, "thank you. for everything."
as they made their way out the door, you couldn't help but smile to yourself. these moments - mattheo and nicole spending time together, their bond growing closer each day - made you fall in love with him even more.
the park was bustling with activity when they arrived, families and children running around, enjoying the crisp autumn day. mattheo held nicole's hand as they walked, her other hand clutching her stuffed bear close to her chest. she was looking around with wide eyes, taking in everything with wonder.
