“She’s got her mother’s enthusiasm.” Leo agreed with a small, amused smile as he watched the mother-daughter duo. He would have never imagined that a one-night-stand would end up in a pregnancy and his life going upside down once more. He would not have ever imagined himself sleeping with his ex-wife’s lawyer in the first place, and yet, right now, Leo could not imagine his life in any other way. As chaotic as things once have been, he did not regret it. This new kind of life came with the new kind of inspiration, plenty for him to get it all out in his paintings. Oddly enough, maybe this was exactly what Leo had needed in the first place.
“That’s what she’s making you believe in right now.” The man pointed out, taking another sip of his coffee to make a point. He would be the first to admit that their daughter had him wrapped around her little finger. Deep down, it made him understand just how bad of a father he was to his first child, and while his attempts to change that were unsuccessful, he could at least attempt to make it right with Gabi. Besides, he had Adeline by his side, and despite her insecurities, he could see just how wonderful of a mother she was. Despite the start that the two of them had, he could not have imagined a better woman to start a new family with. “But she’s a daddy’s girl, and there’s absolutely no denying that, mio caro.” He added with a small smile, remaining in his spot, just continuing to observe the two of them. He couldn’t even imagine what it must’ve been like for Adeline, knowing that she had to part with their daughter, even if it was for those few short hours. He had the luxury of setting his own working hours, doing what he wanted, and not everyone were capable of it.
Leo was quick to place his cup of coffee down and make his way over to the two most important women in his life. “She would never, Adeline.” He assured her, his tone stern, showing just how serious and honest he was. His hand moved to his girlfriend’s cheek, cupping it lightly before he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, to make his point clear. “No one ever would forget you, especially our daughter.” He added, wanting to make sure that he could make her feel just a little more confident. “Besides, think of it this way; you’ll get to go back to work, do what you like, and see the pure joy on her face once you come to pick her up at the end of the day.”
Pulling away then, he reached for his cup of coffee, needing the caffeine. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” He brushed off her words, his own tone dropping to accomodate with Gabi’s actions. “Besides, you know that I have no problems going right back to sleep.”
Sometimes Adeline just wanted to throw her hands up in the air, beyond herself at how she was in this position. She felt like she knew nothing when it came to motherhood, but thankfully it had gotten easier. Leo’s presence made it easier for her and for Gabrielle. Truthfully, she wouldn’t have expected someone to stick around considering how everything happened between them. At one point, she was trying to get more than half of his money for his ex-wife. It was something they liked to blissfully ignore.
“Because she’s mommy’s girl,” she continued to tease him, pressing her head against Gabi’s. Their little girl was a perfect balance between them. She definitely had her opinions like Adeline, loud as can be but other times, she waited and observed quietly much like her father.
His words causing a small chuckle to escape her system, shaking her head at him. Gabi definitely had her moments where she preferred him over her, but she knew her bond with her daughter was unbreakable. She had grown the damn girl for heaven’s sake. “Keep telling yourself that,” she said to him with a toothy grin. Leo had his ways and the more she got to know him, the more she fell for him everyday. She was grateful to have him by her side during this crazy ride. He was willing to make it better and work with her, despite how much they butted heads. Even their living room curtains were a heated discussion. Their points of view were drastically different but they balanced each other at the end of the day. “That’s what she wants you to think so you’ll give her more milk, trust me, I know this little game,” she told him.
The little girls eyes completely shut as her deep breaths expelled from her chest going back into her slumber, exactly like Leo did. The two could fall asleep during an earth quake is what Adeline had concluded over the past six months. His comforting words soothing her racing mind as she looked down at Gabrielle. She couldn’t believe it had already been six months since they had welcomed their little bundle of happiness into the world. She looked up at him, pressing her lips against his, nodding her head. She didn’t want to wake up Gabrielle with her protests, anyways. “Which that reminds me,” she said, slowly inching over to the bassinet in the dining room, gently placing her down and turning back around to rush back over to Leo.
She wrapped her arms around his torso, laying her head against his chest as she let out a sigh. “I’m working until nine or so tonight. One of my client’s is coming from Malibu, so, he could only make happy hour... although, I had always thought happy hour started around six?” Adeline muttered.
“I’m sorry. I wish I could get home earlier,” she sighed, looking back up at him. Her hand raised to his jaw, stroking her thumb against the rubble of his beard. “I’m going to miss you so much today, Leo,” she told him.
She pressed a kiss against his lips again, resting her head in the crook of his neck. “I don’t want to say goodbye to you two.”