Chapter 28: Five Years Later
Genevieve stood at the edge of the driveway, arms crossed, watching as her father pushed little Josh forward on a tiny red bicycle. The boy wobbled, his feet barely reaching the pedals, but Ryan steadied him with a firm grip on the back of the seat.
Josh giggled, his gold curls bouncing as he turned to look at Ryan. "I'm doing it, daddy!" he squealed.
Ryan chuckled, his face full of pride. "Yes, you are! Keep your balance now, don't rush!"
Genevieve felt her lips tighten. She had never seen her father so patient or look at her with such pride. When she was a child, he had never spent this much time teaching her anything. He had been strict, distant, and cold.
He had always expected her to be perfect without ever showing her how. Yet here he was, laughing and guiding Josh like he had all the time in the world.
What was so special about the kid anyway? Did being born by Dawn make him that special?
"Genny!" Josh greeted with a wave and a wide smile when he sighted her, and without hesitation Genevieve found herself smiling and waving back.
She cussed herself for being unable to resist the kid's infectious smile. She really wished she could dislike him as much as she disliked Dawn, but it was hard to do so when he was so adorable.
She cleared her throat. "Did you call me here to watch you play the perfect dad, or do you actually have something to tell me?"
Ryan glanced at her, then turned back to Josh. "Alright, that's enough lesson for today. Go inside and ask Nanny to clean you up. We'll go for ice cream later."
Josh beamed and jumped off the bike, "Thank you, daddy," he said before running inside without another word.