"Can we go now, Mommy?" Harriet tugged at Mallory's hand, her excitement bubbling over like a fizzy drink. She hopped from one foot to the other, barely able to contain herself.
"Of course, sweetheart," Mallory said, offering her daughter a reassuring smile despite the nervous flutter in her stomach. "Let's go meet your father at the playground."
The three of them walked down the tree-lined streets of an upscale neighborhood, their destination a lush, beautifully maintained playground often frequented by the children of the city's elite. When they entered, Harriet's eyes widened with wonder as she took in the extravagant jungle gyms, the gleaming carousel, and the velvety green lawn peppered with colorful flowers.
"Wow, Daddy, this place is amazing!" Harriet gasped, her tiny fingers wrapped tightly around Harris's hand.
"Only the best for my princess," Harris replied, his deep voice laced with warmth and affection. He glanced at Mallory, silently acknowledging her support, even as he sensed her uneasiness.
"Go on, Harriet. Have fun!" Mallory encouraged, giving their daughter a gentle nudge towards the playground.
"Yay! Thanks, Mommy!" Harriet beamed before sprinting off, her laughter ringing like a sweet melody.
As Mallory watched Harriet climb the jungle gym, her heart swelled with love and pride. However, she couldn't help but worry about what might happen if Harris broke his promise and told his mom about Harriet. Her thoughts raced, her mind spinning scenarios that left her vulnerable and exposed. They are in a new environment, a playground for the elite, unlike the public park where they first took Harriet.
"Hey, it's going to be okay," Harris whispered, comforting Mallory's shoulder. "I know you're nervous, but I'm committed to keeping our agreement."
"Thank you, Harris," Mallory murmured, her eyes never straying from Harriet's joyful movements. "I just... I need to know I can trust you."
"Trust takes time, Mallory," Harris said softly, his gaze fixed on their daughter. "But I'll do whatever it takes to make this work for Harriet's sake. And for us."
"Us?" Mallory glanced at him, her heart beating.
"Maybe someday," Harris suggested, his eyes meeting hers with a hopeful intensity. "But for now, let's focus on being the best parents we can be to that incredible little girl."
"Agreed," Mallory nodded, her resolve strengthened by Harris's words. As they stood side by side, watching their daughter play with joy and abandon, their shared commitment to co-parenting Harriet brought peace and unity. Together, they vowed to put their past behind them and forge a new path built on trust, understanding, and love.
"By the way, Harris, my best friend, Heidi, wants me to give you this invitation." Mallory handed Heidi and Scott's wedding invitation.
Harris took it. "I know your best friend, Heidi," he said, smiling. "Thank you, Mallory."
"You know her? How?"
"When you left me in the hotel 5 years ago, I looked for you in every way possible and found your apartment's address where you live with your best friend, Heidi. I didn't see her there, but that's how I know your best friend; plus, I also hired an investigator to dig more about you and Heidi."
Mallory raised an eyebrow upon hearing Harris's confession. "You did all of that?"
"Yes, to find you," Harris said, looking at Mallory intensely.
Mallory avoided his gaze. "That was 5 years ago, Harris. What's important now is we have Harriet and want what's best for her."
"I know, Mallory," Harris said, smiling. He celebrates inwardly, knowing Mallory is still affected by his stare. She couldn't bear staring back at his eyes. "Tell Heidi thanks for the invitation. I'll be there."
"Sure. Since you are Harriet's father, Heidi thought it would be nice to have you there as Harriet would be a flower girl."
"Oh, my princess would be a flower girl?" He exclaimed. "That's exciting. I can't wait to see Harriet in a flower girl dress while throwing flowers on the aisle," he said, beaming.
"Same. Looking forward to that day." She cleared her throat. "Harris, thank you for bringing Harriet here," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"Anything for you and Harriet," he murmured in response.
"Look, Daddy! Look how high I can go!" Harriet shouted, which took them out of reverie. Her face beamed with pride as she showed off her newfound swing-pumping skills.
Harris's eyes softened at the sound of the word 'Daddy,' a small smile gracing his lips. He clapped his hands, cheering on his daughter. "That's amazing, sweetheart!" He pushed Harriet even more.
"Mommy, did you see? Daddy pushed me so high!" Harriet exclaimed as she raced back to Mallory, wrapping her arms around her mother's legs.
"I saw, baby girl," Mallory replied, her voice cracking slightly. She forced a smile, ruffling Harriet's hair affectionately. "You were flying like a bird."
"Your turn, Mommy! Let Daddy push you too!" Harriet insisted, tugging at her hand.
"Uh, maybe another time, sweetie," Mallory stammered, glancing at Harris for support. His gaze met hers; their shared concern was evident in their locked eyes.
"Hey, how about we get some ice cream?" Harris suggested, crouching down to Harriet's level. "What do you say, kiddo?"
"Yay, ice cream!" Harriet squealed, her excitement momentarily overshadowing the turmoil in Mallory's heart.
As they walked towards the ice cream stand, Mallory trailed behind her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She knew she couldn't avoid the truth forever that Harris's mother might find out about Harriet. But for now, she chose to revel in her daughter's happiness.
"Chocolate or vanilla?" Harris asked Harriet, his voice laced with a tenderness that only fueled Mallory's inner conflict.
"Can I have both?" Harriet replied, her eyes wide and hopeful.
"Of course, you can," Harris chuckled, ruffling her hair playfully before turning to Mallory. "And what about you?"
"Uh, just vanilla, please." Mallory managed a weak smile, her heart heavy as she watched her daughter's joy in choosing an ice cream flavor.
Mallory leaned against the nearby tree, her thoughts consumed by the decision she would have to make. She watched Harriet and Harris laugh together, their bond strengthening with each shared moment. Her heart ached, knowing that one day, she might have to be the one to break it. She could not allow Marian or even Harris to take her daughter away.
Mallory couldn't help but feel guilt as Harriet skipped along the sidewalk, hand-in-hand with Harris. Her daughter's laughter filled the air, light and carefree like the tufts of dandelion seeds that danced around them.
"Look, Daddy!" Harriet exclaimed, pointing to a cluster of butterflies fluttering by. Mallory flinched at the word, her chest tightening with every passing second.
"Wow, those are beautiful," Harris replied, crouching beside Harriet to admire the colorful insects. His eyes briefly met Mallory's, and for a moment, she was taken aback by the intensity of his gaze. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over her, yet she could not look away.
"Mommy, come look!" Harriet called out, snapping Mallory from her thoughts.
"Alright, sweetie," she answered, smiling as she joined them. The three watched in awe as the butterflies danced through the air. As much as Mallory wanted to lose herself in the moment's beauty, her mind remained preoccupied, fearing what could happen if the truth came to light.
"Can we take a picture, Daddy?" Harriet asked, tugging Harris's hand excitedly.
"Of course," he said, pulling out his phone and snapping a photo of Harriet surrounded by the delicate creatures.
"Let's all take a photo together," Harris suggested, extending his arm to include Mallory in the frame. She hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest as she inched closer, unsure how to navigate this unfamiliar territory.
"Say 'butterflies'!" Harris prompted, and they all grinned for the camera.
As they continued their walk, Mallory's mind raced with worries about the future. If Harris decided to file for full custody, would she have a chance? She couldn't trust him after he hid his identity from her all those years ago, but she couldn't deny the genuine connection between him and Harriet.
"Mommy, can we go to the park again with Daddy tomorrow?" Harriet asked, her eyes shining with hope.
"I don't know, sweetie," Mallory answered hesitantly. "We'll see."
"Please, Mommy? I really like spending time with Daddy," Harriet pleaded, her innocence tugging at Mallory's heartstrings.
"Alright, we'll talk about it later, okay?" Mallory conceded, ruffling Harriet's hair affectionately. She glanced at Harris, who offered her a small, understanding smile.
"Thank you, Mommy!" Harriet beamed, hugging her tightly.
As they said their goodbyes for the day, Mallory was torn between her desire to protect her daughter and her reluctance to hurt her. For now, she would allow Harriet to continue calling Harris' Daddy,' despite the fear gnawing at the pit of her stomach. But as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the sidewalk, Mallory knew that the days of avoiding the truth were numbered. Her intuition told her.