Think Of Me

Chapter Thirteen

Risa cried and begged Aaron not leave, attaching herself to his leg and not letting go. He looked back at Jeanna as if asking for help, his face distraught. She smirked at him before moving over and attempting to pry Risa off. She lifted her up into her arms, still blubbering and reaching out for Aaron.

“Hey, now, Resse-Cup, don't cry!” he said, kissing her cheek. “I'll see you tomorrow!”

“But I don't want you to go!” she wailed, struggling against her mother's grasp.

“Listen, if you're good for Mommy, maybe we can go for a picnic tomorrow?” He raised his eyebrows and poked out his lips, making a silly face. He smiled, satisfied with himself, when Risa stopped crying and grinned.

“You promise?” she asked, her blue eyes sparkling.

He held out his pinkie and offered it to her. “I promise.”

Risa looked at his hand skeptically, and Jeanna laughed. “Grab his pinkie like this, Reese,” she said, demonstrating. “It means he really, really promises.”

Aaron smiled and his heart warmed as Risa wrapped her tiny finger around his. He had never really seen himself having children. Having Risa gave him a pride and a love he wouldn't trade for the world. “I love you, Reese-Cup, and I'll see you tomorrow, okay?” He kissed her cheek once more.

~*~

“Amy, do you love John?” Risa perked up in the booth beside her mother, nibbling on a french fry.

Amy laughed, pulling away from the chaste kiss she and John shared. “Sure do, Risa-Bug.”

Jeanna cast a glance at her little girl who wore a contemplating expression across her face. “Is that why you kiss him on the mouth?”

“Risa!” Jeanna scolded, rolling her eyes, her face flushing with embarrassment.

“I guess so.” Amy gave Jeanna a raised eyebrow look.

“I saw my mommy kiss my daddy on the mouth. Does that mean she loves him?”

Jeanna choked on her Coke, her face flushing. She heard John stifle his laughter. “You turning red there, huh, Red?” he asked, using her old nickname and wiggling his eyebrows.

“I...don't know, Reese,” Amy said, keeping her cool. “You need to ask your mama that.”

“So, anyways, when's the rehearsal dinner?” Jeanna asked quickly, changing the subject. “Risa, I want to see you eat all of your chicken.”

“Next week,” John replied around his mouth full of steak. “I didn't want to move the date up, but my brother...” His sentence trailed off, not wanting to repeat his conversation about his brother's sudden deployment.

“No, that's totally fine. Do you guys need help with anything? Is everything coming up on schedule?” She looked at Amy. “The flowers are put in for, the dress alterations are on schedule?”