Chapter 78 - seventy eight
Chapter Seventy-Eight
Malachi’s POV
I was really bothered. Not by the lost child, though that situation needed handling. But by the way Alicia’s entire demeanor had shifted the moment that little girl tugged her skirt.
The lightness from moments ago, the carefree happiness I’d worked so hard to give her, had vanished. Replaced by worry. By that protective instinct that made her kneel down and comfort a stranger’s child without hesitation.
It bothered me because she was bothered. Because anything that dimmed that smile was my enemy.
I watched her hold the girl’s hand, murmuring reassurances. Watched the way she naturally fell into a caretaker role. The way she made the child feel safe.
She’d be an incredible mother someday. The thought came unbidden and settled in my chest with unexpected weight.
"Let’s go," I said, placing my hand on Alicia’s back. Guiding both her and the child toward the information center near the park entrance.
The booth attendant looked up as we approached. "Can I help you?"
"This child is lost," I said. "She needs help finding her mother."
The attendant’s expression immediately shifted to concern. "Of course. Sweetheart, what’s your name?"
"Lily," the girl said quietly, still clutching Alicia’s hand.