Eyes Don't Lie | Charles Leclerc

Eloise Leclerc ⭐️

February 3, 2027

This morning, while Aria was downstairs in the kitchen, I had a rare moment of just Eloise and me. It was one of my favorite parts of being her papa, getting her ready for the day. She was sitting on the changing table, her little legs kicking happily as I fumbled with the tiny clothes.

"Alright, Eloise," I said, holding up a pair of floral leggings and a soft pink onesie. "You've got to work with me here. Maman makes this look way easier."

Eloise giggled, her grin melting my heart and I laughed, even as she kicked at my attempts to slide her chubby legs into the leggings. "Okay, okay, I get it," I said, finally managing to get her dressed.

Once her outfit was sorted, I picked up the tiny hairbrush and studied her hair. I had watched Aria style Eloise's hair a million times, so I decided to give it a try.

"Pigtails," I announced, as if Eloise had asked for a specific hairstyle. "You're going to look just like maman's mini-me."

It took longer than I'd like to admit, those tiny hair ties were a workout for my fingers, but when I finally secured the second little tail, I leaned back to admire my handiwork. "You're perfect," I said, scooping her into my arms. 

I couldn't resist the urge to pepper kisses all over her chubby cheeks, making her giggle. 

"You're going to break hearts someday," I whispered against her cheek, smelling the soft, powdery baby smell that she always had, it was addicting. "But not too soon, okay? Papa needs to keep you to himself for a long time."

With her giggles still going, I carried her downstairs to start our day, my heart already full.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 

Eloise was sitting on the play mat, surrounded by all of her colorful toys. Her chubby fingers grabbed a stuffed rabbit, rattling it and every so often, she'd look up at me with those wide, curious eyes that mirrored my own. I could get lost in those eyes, the same way I had countless times with Aria. They made my heart melt every time.

She was a perfect match of the two of us. Eloise had my eyes, a darker shade of green, compared to Aria's bright green. But the softness in them, the way they sparkled...that was all Aria. Her cheeks were round and rosy, just like Aria's when she laughed.

When she smiled...oh, that smile, it was a perfect mix of us both. It wasn't just her features that made her a match, though. It was the way she moved, the way she observed everything around her, with a determination that reminded me of myself but a playful curiosity that was pure Aria.

"You're so lucky, Eloise," I said softly, watching as she babbled happily at her rabbit. "You've got all of maman's kindness and beauty, and you got my...well, my eyebrows, I guess." I smirked as I reached out to gently brush my finger across her forehead, earning a delighted giggle in return.

"You know," I said, leaning closer to Eloise, "you're the best thing we've ever made. Maman and I, we're a good team, huh?" She clapped her hands together as if agreeing and I laughed. "But between you and me, I think I got the better deal."

Eloise let out giggles, her tiny hand reaching up to grab at my hair, which had apparently become her favorite toy. I laid across the floor beside her, propping myself up on one elbow. "Alright, Eloise," I said, smiling as she kept reaching for my hair happily, "today is the day. You're going to say your first word, and it's going to be papa. Not maman, okay? Let's practice."

She responded with a bunch of incoherent words, her little voice bubbling with excitement. "La-la-la," she said, clapping her hands together, clearly proud of herself.