“You’ve earned at least a week off,” Vivian said to Belle. “Unfortunately, that’s all I can offer, as school starts soon.”
Belle grasped Vivian’s hand. “I’ll take the week, but I’m still planning to spend a lot of it with you. I’ve missed you like crazy and I’m dying to hear about your trip.”
“We both are. Three months felt like fucking forever,” Victor said, grasping Belle’s other hand, loving the way she leaned intohim. “Let’s go ahead and plan to do afternoons by the pool here, because our little mermaid over there,” he said, tilting his head in Pip’s direction, “will go through withdrawals if she doesn’t get her daily dose of chlorine.”
“I’ll never be able to thank you enough for what you did for me this summer,” Vivian said quietly.
“She’s an angel,” Victor replied. “No thanks necessary. Besides, this has been the best summer of my life.”
Belle and Vivian giggled at that, aware that Pip wasn’t the only reason he felt that way.
Vivian walked into the living room, gently stroking her hand over Pip’s hair. “I swear I’m never leaving her that long again. It was brutal,” she whispered.
Victor bent over, carefully lifting Pip and trying not to rouse her. It didn’t work.
Her eyelids flickered rapidly before rising. “Uncle Vic,” she said sleepily.
“Time to go home, Squirt.”
She nodded, still drowsy. “Okay.”
Belle and Vivian followed as he carried his niece to the car, placing her in her car seat and fastening it. Vivian walked around to the driver’s side, while he and Belle remained by the open back door.
Victor leaned down and placed a kiss on Pip’s forehead. “Gonna miss having you down the hall.”
Pip smiled. “I still want to come swim every day.”
Victor snorted. “I already sorted that out with your mom. Afternoons in the pool will continue until school starts.”
Vivian, who was in the car, twisted around in the front seat, grinning. “Tonight, you’re sleeping in my bed. I’m going to snuggle and kiss and spoon you all night.”
Pip grinned widely at that. “Okay!”
Victor stepped back so Belle could add her own kiss to Pip’s forehead. “Good night.”
Pip frowned. “You’re not coming home with us?”
Belle shook her head. “Um…not tonight. I was too busy with the party to pack,” she said.
Now probably wasn’t the time to get into their changed relationship status. Best to do it tomorrow by the pool…to ensure Pip was in her best and happiest frame of mind.
“Because you’re dating Uncle Vic?” Pip asked—shocking all three of the adults.
“What do you know about dating?” Vivian asked, clearly surprised Pip even knew the word.
“I know that Uncle Vic and Belle are dating and they’re gonna get married, like you and Daddy did, and then they’re gonna have a baby and I can be the babysitter.” Her eyes widened. “Wait, does that mean I’m going to get a brother or sister?!” she asked excitedly.
Victor shook his head with a grin. “Our kids will be your cousins,” he replied, not bothering to keep the secret any longer. It was apparent he and Belle had done a shitty job hiding their feelings for each other, and given Pip’s excitement, it was safe to say his niece was as pleased by this turn of events as her mother.
“Are you okay with me dating your uncle Vic?” Belle asked.
Pip nodded enthusiastically. “He’s a lot nicer than that man from the coffee shop. But…” Pip’s smile wavered slightly as another thought dawned on her. “Will you still take care of me?”
“Always,” Belle said, bending close to Pip, holding her hand. “I will always be your nanny, and maybe someday, Auntie Belle.”
Victor scowled. “No ‘maybe’ about it.”
Vivian and Belle laughed, Pip joining in, though he suspected the little girl didn’t understand what was so funny.