Just Us

|12|

A few days later, Adalie's bedroom was complete and she was comfortably all moved in. Tonight was the first night she'd actually be attempting to sleep in there.

Pia and Vinícius both agreed that she probably wouldn't make it through the night. Ada had never been alone before, and it would take time for her to adjust.

"Alright, Ada," Pia whispered, wrapping her in blankets and smoothing the hair out of her face. "Just come wake me or Vinícius if you get scared, okay? I'll come back and lay with you."

"You promise?" Ada's eyes were big with fear, and Pia wanted to give in. She never wanted Ada to be afraid ever again, but she was old enough to be able to sleep alone. It would be healthier on everyone this way. Ada couldn't sleep with Pia forever.

"I pinky promise," Pia said, wrapping their pinkies together. "We're not far, Ada. Just across the hall, and soon you'll be having sweet dreams anyway."

Ada nodded. A knock on the door broke their attention, and Vinícius walked in with a gentle smile.

"Look at you, looking like a cozy princess," he said, gaining a bright smile from Ada, her fear draining tremendously.

He had his hand around his back, and Pia eyed him curiously. She was so glad Vinícius had joined them. Ada was so comfortable around him.

"I brought you something to protect you while you sleep," he kneeled down on the other side of the bed, opposite of Pia.

He moved his hands to reveal a stuffed bunny, with large floppy ears.

Ada gasped in surprise, "This is for me?" She grasped the bunny, sitting up to hug it to her chest.

Vinícius chuckled, "all yours."

Ada reached up for a hug, and he did not disappoint, wrapping his arms tightly around her small body.

"Thank you. I love you, Vinny," she said happily.

Vinícius was shocked. She loved him? Just like that? He met Pia's eyes which were shining brightly with unshed tears.

"I love you too," he whispered, trying to stay calm even though he was freaking out on the inside. Do kids actually mean it when they say it? He meant it with all his heart, and he loved Pia too.

"What will you name it?" Pia asked, breaking them from their hug. Vinícius tucked Ada back in, and she snuggled into her bunny with a yawn.

"His name is Mr. Hops," Ada smiled. "Love you both."

"We love you too, Ada," Pia said. "Do you want me to stay until you fall asleep?"

Ada shook her head, "Mr. Hops will keep me safe."

Vinícius and Pia gave her kisses and wished her goodnight, and when Pia stepped into the hallway, she was swept into a massive hug.

"Can you believe it?" Vinícius asked in a loud whisper, twirling Pia around. "She loves me!"

Pia giggled, "Of course she does...we both do."

Vinícius stilled, carrying her into the bedroom where they could speak louder.

"You love me?" he asked.

Pia hadn't meant for that to slip, but it didn't make it any less true. She could feel the heat rise to her cheeks, "I know it hasn't been long," she whispered, "but you take such good care of us, and you're so kind and sweet. How could I not love you?"

Vinícius blushed himself, a large smile crinkling his features. He cupped her cheeks, "I love you with all of my heart." He kissed her gently.

When they pulled away, Pia spoke, "Thank you for treating Adalie the way you do. She loves her bunny so much."

"You're both my family, and I love you," Vinícius said again, pressing his lips to her forehead. "You should catch some sleep though, I know she won't be able to sleep all the way through tonight."

Pia nodded, "You're right, but I'm not sure I will be able to sleep either."

"You need sleep, but I don't. I'll stay up if you want me to."

"You're so sweet," she whispered. "I didn't mean it that way. I'm just going to be so worried-"

"It'll be okay, Pia. Ada is a strong girl, and she might actually want to prove that tonight," Vinícius said, finally laying down in his bed. It had been so long, and he was glad that he had these moments to look forward to with Pia, selfishly.

Pia yawned, laying on the opposite side, peeking shyly up at Vinícius.
He smiled down at her, pulling her close so she was pressed up against him. He had never been more content.

Ada ended up sleeping the whole night through.