Page 118 of Her Summer Hope
"Remember to double knot them, so they don't come undone," James instructed him, and Kyle chuckled, nodding in agreement.
"Of course, kiddo," he replied, his strong hands expertly tying his shoes before moving on to Jack.
She knew Jack knew how to tie his own shoes, but he let Kyle do it without saying a word. As Kyle bent down to help him, Jack looked up at him with wide eyes filled with trust and admiration.
Kyle's gentle smile and reassuring words showed just how much he cared for her kids, and it warmed Madison's heart to see them bonding so effortlessly. She’d been kind of worried at first, especially with Ellie and James, but there hadn’t been any issues at all.
While Kyle moved on to attempt to braid Ellie’s hair, Madison allowed herself a moment to gaze out the window, her mind wandering to the incredible changes that had taken place in her life since Kyle entered it.
Kyle was like a miracle for her. She sighed and bit back a smile.
Madison's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden crash from the other side of the room. She turned to see James grimacing as he held a broken plate, clearly having attempted to carry too many dishes to the sink.
"Were you trying to play frisbee?" Madison teased gently, crossing the room to help clean up the mess.
Kyle joined them, picking the shards from his hands. “Careful. Don’t want any war wounds.”
Together, they gathered the shattered pieces, the room echoing with the kids’ excited chatter. She took the dustpan to the trash and he left to wash his hands before disappearing into the living room.
"Hey, Maddy," Kyle called from the other room, his voice laced with excitement. "I've got a surprise for you."
She heard shushing sounds and faint giggles coming from Ellie.
Curiosity piqued, Madison followed the sound of his voice. As she rounded the corner into the living room, she found Kyle grinning widely, a large wicker picnic basket in his hands.
Her eyes widened as she took in the array of her favorite foods nestled inside— savory sandwiches, fresh fruit, and even a bottle of sparkling cider. There were some things in there for the kids too. He’d thought of everything.
"I thought we could all use a little fun today, so I planned to show you all a spot I know. What do you think?"
"Kyle, this is amazing!" Madison exclaimed, her eyes shining with appreciation. "The kids will absolutely love it. Thank you!"
As they gathered the children and loaded up the car, Madison couldn't help but steal glances at Kyle, marveling at how seamlessly he'd become a part of their lives.
"Did you pack any dessert in that magical picnic basket of yours?" Madison asked as they drove, raising an eyebrow playfully.
"Maybe," Kyle replied with an enigmatic grin. "You'll just have to wait and see, won't you?"
"Ah, always keeping me on my toes, I see," she said, feigning exasperation as laughter danced in her eyes.
"Of course," Kyle winked. "Wouldn't want you to get bored."
They spent the afternoon playing at a nearby river, Maddy watching from the blanket as she nursed Em. When they’d had enough of that, they went to the park down the road from her house.
It was the best day that she remembered having in years.
∞∞∞
Later, they went back to Kyle’s with the children. As the daylight began to fade, they worked together in the kitchen, with Kyle following orders and starting the supper.
When he finished and put the pot on the stove, he washed his hands and snatched up a cooing Emmie from her seat nearby and started making faces at her. Madison grinned as Em’s chubby cheeks broke out into a huge smile.
It almost made her want to cry, seeing her baby interacting with Kyle like that when she’d never know her own father.
Kyle, leaning casually against the counter with Emmie cradled in his arms, watched Madison with an affectionate, slightly amused expression.
"You know, Maddy, if this whole rehab retreat thing doesn't pan out, I think I’ve got a solid backup career as a chef," he teased. “As long as you teach me everything you know.”
Madison shot him a playful glance. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Kyle. Besides, I've seen you try to make toast. The world’s safer with you off kitchen duty."