"Oh, so I shouldn't be helping you with your seatbelt or opening the car door for you anymore—is that what my wife is saying?" Knight asked with a teasing smile as he turned toward the car.
Genesis stood nearby, hands on her hips and a cheeky smile lighting up her face. She nodded just as Knight slipped his arm around her waist.
"Well, that's not happening, little wife," he added as they headed for the door. "That's my duty, and I'm not stopping. Ever."
Genesis turned toward him and began signing. When she finished, he burst out laughing. She watched him, mesmerized by the way his eyes crinkled and his whole face lit up. Her heart fluttered. She bit her lip. It was useless trying to deny it any longer—she was totally and irreversibly in love with this man. Even with all his shortcomings.
"You want to know why I call you 'little one'?" he asked, still chuckling. She nodded.
Then he stopped walking, eyes locking with hers. His laughter faded, replaced by a mock-serious look. She halted too, shifting awkwardly under his intense stare.
Without saying a word, he lifted his hand, thumb and index finger forming a small circle. He held it up to his eye like a monocle.
What is he doing? Genesis thought, puzzled.
"It's because you're so little. So, so little. That's why I call you 'little wife.'" He tried not to laugh as he watched her confusion turn to realization.
Then he stepped back.
And bolted.
Literally turned on his heel and sprinted around the car, a mischievous grin plastered on his face.
Genesis blinked.
Wait. What?
She gasped soundlessly, eyes wide, then took off after him, her arms flailing as she gave chase.
"You wanna chase, little wife?!" Knight called over his shoulder, laughing. "What are you gonna do when you catch me, huh? Sign at me till I cry?"
Genesis narrowed her eyes and picked up speed.
"Uh-oh," he muttered, pretending to trip. "She's serious. She's really gonna catch me!"
He yanked open the car door as if he'd duck inside—then slammed it shut again and dashed around the other side. Genesis spun after him, trying to trap him, her face a mix of annoyance and amusement. Her silent huffs screamed this man is insane, but her smile betrayed just how much she loved it.
Then…
The front door flew open.
"Uncle Kier! You're back!" a small voice squealed, full of excitement.
Both froze.
A tiny blur in pink socks and a blue gown barreled down the steps.
"Daisy!" Knight grinned, opening his arms wide.
But Daisy didn't run to him.
She ran straight to Genesis, hugging her legs tightly and nearly knocking her over.
"Hi, Lily!" she beamed. "You're chasing Uncle Kier? Can I help? Let's catch him!"
Genesis gaped, then quickly crouched to give her a squeeze. Daisy hadn't spoken to her since the ballet studio incident with Jaden. Her heart filled with warmth.
Knight gasped in mock betrayal. "Traitor! Daisy! You're supposed to love me, remember?!"
"You're being mean to Lily!" Daisy declared.
"She started it!" Knight accused dramatically, backing toward the car.
Genesis pointed to the left side of the car. Daisy's eyes sparkled, and she darted that way.
Knight's eyes widened. "No. No. This is a setup!"
Genesis charged to the right.
"Oh, you both wanna go to war with me, huh?" he shouted, laughing as he dodged. "Two against one is cheating! And illegal!"
Genesis rounded the trunk, signing fast and fiercely.
"She says it's not cheating," Daisy announced like a judge. "It's justice."
Knight groaned dramatically. "She's good. She's too good!" He threw his head back, laughing like a man defeated.
"Fine! Take me, women of vengeance! But just know, you'll regret ever—"
Genesis launched into him, wrapping her arms around him mid-sentence. It was more of a hug than a tackle, but Knight fell back anyway with an exaggerated "ARGH!"
He landed on the grass with Genesis on top of him, her silent giggles against his neck. He brushed her hair back and whispered:
"And that, little wife... is why I married you."
Genesis beamed, heart pounding.
Even when he was absolutely insane… he was hers.
And she? She was completely his.
"That was so fun! Can we do it again, Uncle Kier? Please, pretty please?" Daisy begged, now curled up in his arms.
Knight raised a brow, pretending to think about it.
Daisy rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, I know you're going to say yes. You can't resist us."
Knight glanced up at her, then looked down at Genesis standing beside him. He nodded slowly, eyes still on his wife.
"Yeah... I definitely can't resist."
"YAY!" Daisy squealed. "This time, you're gonna hunt us—in the playroom!"
Knight chuckled, but then rubbed the back of Genesis's neck gently. She shivered under his touch, cheeks flushing pink.
He felt himself twitch in his pants and quickly shoved the thought away. He was holding Daisy, for crying out loud.
Just then, Knight pushed the door open.
"...And my birthday is in two days, Uncle Kier!" Daisy chirped as they walked in. "What are you getting me?"
Knight's eyes widened as Daisy's words sank in.
Her birthday.
He had completely forgotten.
With everything that had been going on lately, it had slipped right out of his mind. He looked down at Genesis, whose expression mirrored his—shock quickly replaced by a soft smile just as Daisy turned to her.
"…Lily, your birthday is just a week away! You told me it's August fifth, right?" Daisy chirped as they stepped into the house.
But before Genesis could respond, a voice called out.
"Kieran…"
They all turned at once.
And then—without warning—Amelia came running from the couch and crashed into Kieran, throwing her arms tightly around him. She shoved Daisy's leg out of the way in the process, not so gently.
Genesis stiffened.
Amelia clung to him like her life dep
ended on it, her face tilted up, eyes glossy with tears.
"I missed you… Where have you been?" she whispered, her voice trembling.