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“You have such a lovely family,” she continues, her voice full of fondness. “I remember when we were new parents ourselves, enjoying every little milestone. Remember to cherish those moments because kids always grow up too fast. Our two boys are in their fifties and have their own families now.”

Ollie quickly glances my way before replying with a genuine smile, “Thank you, ma’am. We appreciate it.”

The way he says ma’am shouldn’t be so endearing, but I feel its effect down to my core. I reach for my water to keep my hands busy. The server comes to take our orders, saving me from the swirling thoughts in my head. It’s only appreciation toward my temporary boss, that’s all.

“What can I get you today?”

Ollie doesn’t even open the menu. “Eggs Benedict with your signature cold brew.”

The server grins. “Good choice.”

“I’ll do the Eggs Benedict too,” I tell him next. “And breakfast tea.”

“Any sides?”

“No, thanks.”

He collects our menus and heads toward the kitchen. I stretch my arms toward the baby and Ollie hands his niece over. Tilly babbles in my arms, her eyes wide tracking everything around us. Ollie watches us, his expression softening.

“She really likes you,” he says, awe evident in his tone.

“She loves attention and being held,” I reply with facts, but my voice comes out tender anyway. “I’m just a convenient human pillow, trust me.”

“You should’ve seen her yesterday when I tried to put her down for a nap when you were out. She acted as if I committed a crime.”

We both laugh. Luckily, it doesn’t take long until the food arrives. I put Tilly back in the stroller before taking a bite of my eggs.

“Damn, you weren’t lying.”

Ollie’s smile turns triumphant. “Told you.”

“This is the kind of meal that makes you fall in love again,” I comment.

The older woman beside us chuckles. “Food will do that sometimes.”

I blush, but Ollie laughs softly before taking a bite of his own. He hums quietly a second later, completely unaware of its effect on me.

“So,” he says after a few bites, “what’s your ideal Sunday?”

I blink, surprised by the question because I have no clue. “I don’t know. I haven’t had an ideal anything in a while.”

“That’s sad.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice. I used to love painting. But I haven’t done much since my wedding,” I tell him.

“You mean canvas painting?”

My insides warm as I talk about one of my passions. “Acrylic mostly. Sometimes watercolor, but I’m impatient.”

Ollie chuckles. “That tracks.”

“Excuse me?” I ask playfully.

“You prefer to get things done efficiently, so I don’t see you patiently waiting for the paint to dry.”

I know he’s teasing, but it’s evident that he’s paying more attention to me than I realized. “Fine, you’re right. But I’m working on it.”

“What do you paint? Portraits or something else?”