@mentolist, *holds out his hands for her to hand over baby holly*
she eyes him with more than a smidge of distrust; a great big heaping of suspicion and doubt, mashed together and left to spoil in the pit of her stomach. first instinct is to clutch her child tighter, to shift her a little higher up on her hip, so as to fully envelop her in a hug, protection from what karen can only deem a threat –– what other word is there to describe someone who brings news of her children being in harm’s way? but she can see that gleam in his eyes, the way he lit up at the mere sight of holly. [ who can blame him? she thinks to herself, she whose chest blooms with warmth every time she sees her youngest, no matter how often in a day. ] lips purse and stretch into the slightest of pouts as she deliberates, fingertips absently brushing over the strands of fair pigtails. jaw sets, and she’s made up her mind. cue a hesitant nod, brows that knit together. she doesn’t take her eyes off him, not even for a second, moving to transfer holly from her arms into his. he seems to be good with kids; unusual, for a man who says he has none. she’s only somewhat soothed, and eagle-eyed all the same. ❝ you’re very good with kids, mr. jane. ❞
HE STUDIES HER DOUBTS, RECOGNIZES HER FEARS, but patrick doesn’t capitulate, stance firm as she makes up her mind. he appreciates her hesitation, of course: she hardly knows him & he’s made a difficult impression, if anything, but the wholesomeness of his gaze as he peers at the child knows to silence traces of uncertainty & THE BABY IS DELIVERED INTO HIS ARMS, fervor growing as she radiates a warmth & life he hasn’t experienced in years. ❝ heeeeeeey. . . ❞ A BROAD, AUTHENTIC SMILE MATERIALIZES ON HIS LIPS when he gazes down at the child, establishes rapid contact & drawing the child’s vivid attention. she feels natural in his arms, as if filling a space left vacant for too long, her hand naturally coming to grip at the lapel of his jacket as he gently rocks her, places a kiss upon her brow. GAZE BREAKS TO RETURN ON HER MOTHER, patrick grinning widely when he speaks. ❝ she’s beautiful. how old is she? ❞