Piece Me Back Together

Chapter 7

Because I couldn't resist. Enjoy.

***

It's been a week since Anabelle and I's first date with Daniel. After he drove us home that day, he gave us each a rose as he walked us to the front door. 'Not as beautiful as the both of you but it's fairly close.' *swoon*

Anabelle asked for him every day, whining when we were going to see 'Danny' again. He had called a couple times to ask how we were, and he seemed genuinely interested. It didn't come off as him asking about Anabelle because she was my daughter and he didn't really have a choice, he actually really cared. They'd talk on the phone and I'd be the odd one out, waiting for my turn to hear that deep velvety voice that brings out my goosebumps.

As for the romantic side to it, there wasn't one. He made it clear that he did want to be in our lives, but made no other move towards me other than a kiss on the cheek. Anabelle, on the other hand, was constantly showered in hugs and kisses. The jealously.

This morning they talked on the phone. Again.

"When are we going to get milkshakes again?" I catch her loudly whispering into the speaker.

I could hear his laugh, "Soon, princess. Are you busy today?"

She quickly padded over to where I was making breakfast and repeated the question. Humoring her, I said no.

"She said no," she squealed in excitement. After exchanging a couple more words, she hangs up and runs over to me. "Mommy, Danny's coming at 1."

Oh, my child. She's attached.

"Alright baby, we'll be ready by then," I say with a smile.

***

"So, I was thinking we could make a little detour," Daniel says as we finish buckling in.

"Detour where?" I ask hesitantly.

"Oh you know..." he trails off with a slight smile, glancing at Anabelle strapped in the backseat. "Here and there."

He's planning something. But I'll play along and see where this surprise destination is. I purse my lips in defeat,

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Okay," I repeat with a laugh.

"Great. Absolutely great," he says with that Hollywood smile.

"Danny, where are we going? Are you kidnapping us?" Anabelle calls out from the back.

"I most definitely am, little lady!" he exclaims making her giggle. "I'm taking you to my dungeon in my castle."

"OH MY GOSH DANNY, YOU HAVE A CASTLE?" she yells in excitement, bouncing against the restraining belts. Her sudden energy surprised and scared me at the same time. I felt like she was going to break out of the straps.

Being with them is exhilarating. It's a fresh feeling.  Daniel has a playful side I wasn't sure existed. I don't know what this man has done to capture both my daughter and I but he should keep it up.

"Mommy, can we keep him?" she continued. Daniel burst into laughter as I chuckled and turned to face her serious expression,

"No, Anabelle, we cannot," I laughed. "He's not an animal."

"I do have animals though," he says, making eye contact with her through the rearview mirror.

She gasps loudly, "Puppies?"

He nods with an equally serious expression, "Puppies," he repeats.

Oh boy.

"Well," he continues, "I guess you technically can keep me, but that would be up to your mommy." He glances in my direction. What is this man getting at?