Nineteen: Unwanted Visitor

Ryan and Selena, turned back at the same time to see Dora behind him. Dora’s eyes darted to her father, then to Selena, and lastly, to the child whose arms were wrapped tightly around her daddy’s legs.

“Come on, baby,” Ryan beckoned to her and she walked to him. He scooped her into his arms, despite Julia’s arms that were still wrapped around his legs.

Dora’s gaze drifted to Julia and Ryan did too, seeing the sad's expression etched on the child’s face. Feelings of guilt barrelled into him, knowing that the child did nothing to deserve the treatment he was giving her. It wasn’t her fault that she had a deceitful mother. Ignoring these thoughts, he leaned down with Dora still in his arms and carried Julia with his free arm.

A cheerful smile lit up the kid’s face. At first, Dora had been watching the girl with curiosity but when she saw her smile, it triggered her own smile. Before long, the two children were playing in Ryan’s arms while he returned his attention to the unwanted visitor