Eddie's POVWatching Amelia disappear into the dimly lit hallway, a wave of clashing, intense emotions washed over me.Disappointment was mixed with a flicker of hope, which had been brought on by the explosive kiss we had shared. I rubbed my fingers over my lips slightly, unable to get the memory of her lips, taste and smell off my mind.Stop acting like a pervert, I scolded myself as I tore my fingers off my lips and started the ignition.As I pulled away from the curb, my mind flashed back to a different time, a memory that had been long buried but then was suddenly brought up again by what had happened that night.I was back in college, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filling the air of the small bakery where Amelia proudly introduced me to her new part-time job. Her eyes sparkled as she described the intricate art of crafting artisan bread and whimsical pastries, her voice bubbling with infectious enthusiasm."Just imagine, Eddie," she'd said, her fingers tra

Amelia's POVThe house was dim as I unlocked the door and walked in. I gently shut the door close, not wanting to wake up Blaire just in case she was awake. I leaned against the door, and ran my fingers slightly over my lips. I groaned softly as I did so. I can't believe that Eddie kissed me, and I kissed him back! My mind replayed the scene on a loop, the warmth of his lips still lingering on mine, the unexpected spark that ignited with the contact. Part of me felt a thrill, a fluttering excitement I hadn't experienced in ages. But another part, the more logical one, clawed at me with guilt and worry.I sighed heavily and put my head in my hand. Everything is such a mess. Suddenly, a flicker of movement in the living room caught my eye. My heart hammered against my ribs as I strained to see through the dimness. A figure, silhouetted against the faint glow of the television, was sprawled on the couch.Amelia?"The unexpected voice shot through the quiet like a bolt of lightning, ca

Amelia's POV"Alright, darling," she said. "Love you.""Love you too, Mom."Hanging up, the weight of responsibility settled heavily on my shoulders.Finally, the time came to face the day. Blaire drove me to Eddie's house. "Be strong, Amelia," Blaire said, her hand gently squeezing mine. "You got this."I nodded, forcing a smile. "Thanks, Blaire. I really appreciate everything."Stepping out of the car, I took a deep, fortifying breath. The sight of the imposing mansion sent a pang through my heart. Closing my eyes for a moment, I visualized my plan, the words I would say, the boundaries I would set. With a newfound resolve, I raised my hand and knocked on the oak door.The wait seemed to stretch on forever until the door creaked open, revealing a surprised-looking Eddie. His eyes widened as he saw me, surprise quickly morphing into something unreadable."Amelia," he said, his voice a low rumble. "I wasn't expecting you so… early."Just then, Chloe came bounding towards us, she was

Amelia's POVChloe would most definitely insist on helping me with making pancakes and might get herself all dirty again. I knew that I must find a way to stop her from helping me so that I wouldn’t have to dress her up all over again but then I knew she would cry if I tried to stop her and then she took the words from my mouth before I could say anything."Daddy, won't you thank Amelia for helping me get dressed up? She even made my hair like Rapunzel's! And guess what dad, I love it!” I heard Chloe say as I looked around the kitchen for an apron I could make her use.Eddie looked up from Chloe, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. "Thank you, Amelia," he said, his voice polite but distant. "That's very kind of you."I offered a strained smile in response, the silence stretching uncomfortably between us. Then, disaster struck."Can I help make pancakes with Amelia, Daddy? Please?" Chloe pleaded, her eyes wide with anticipation.My heart sank. Chloe would insist on

Amelia’s POV"C'mon, Amelia. Please, I need you and I know that you know that Chloe needs you as well. See how close you guys have gotten within just a couple of days of knowing each other."I mulled over his words, knowing that he was right. Chloe had grown so attached to me that it broke my heart to see how much the little girl just craved love and attention from a mother-figure. I knew from what Eddie had told me that he and wife had been divorced for a while now. However, there had been a bitter and wry twist to his mouth when he had mentioned it that had made me believe that the divorce had not exactly been amicable. And Chloe was a chatty girl, in just a few hours, she had told me about her friends, her hobbies and even her dad's schedule and the way he loved to spoil her. But there had rarely been a mention of her mother, just a sentence that had told me that her mother was not exactly the warm type that would have time for a child. My heart broke even more for Chloe as I recal