Ryder turned the car into Santana's driveway, bringing it to a stop before slotting the gear lever into park. He got out to get Gracie out of her car seat in the back. He hated having to say goodbye to his daughter, but he'd accepted that was just a part of his life now.
"I'll see you soon, okay?" He whispered in the little girl's ear. "I love you so much." He added, pressing a gentle kiss against her head. He smiled at the small "love you too" that he got in return, before putting her down. She ran off towards the house, and Ryder turned to Santana who had since gotten out of the car.
"I can't believe how big she is." He commented wistfully as he watched his daughter's retreating figure. Gracie was six now and they'd just been to watch her latest ballet recital. Ryder had blown off an awards ceremony to attend, but there was no place he'd rather be.
"Can we do more of this together?" Ryder asked tentatively, leaning against the car as he looked at Santana. "I miss her; I miss you; I just miss us." He admitted, once again regretting letting Santana slip through his fingers. These days his idea of a perfect weekend would just be staying in and having fun with his girls.
A flicker of hope began to build in his chest as Santana told him that she missed him too. Ryder swore he could see the same longing in her eyes that he knew was in his own, which may be why he found himself succumbing to his impulses. Before he knew what he was doing, he moved forward, swiftly closing the gap between them. He leaned in, pressing his lips against hers as he poured his feelings into the kiss.
"I'm so sorry." Ryder apologised as he swiftly pulled away. He knew he had no right to be making any sort of move on her. "Just know, I want you. So if you ever want to give this another go..." He added, gesturing between the two of them. "I am all in."
