He looked down at the baby for a moment, brushing her hair off her face before nodding slowly. "Okay. Go ahead."
Avice smiled slightly, her eyes warm as she watched the baby. Her movements seemed almost protective and caring.
Jack watched Aubrey at first before his gaze gradually shifted to Avice. He studied her freely, knowing that her attention was taken up by the baby. Her hair was shorter and she had lost her feather. Her eyes were the same sky blue as their baby's.
She didn't notice his gaze, instead focused on playing with Aubrey, a warm smile now residing on her face.
Jack looked down at the ground before standing up and coming to their side. "We need to leave pretty soon."
She looked down at Aubrey. "Well.. Maybe I can take her.. If you don't mind, that is. It's okay if not.."
"I don't trust you enough to let that happen," he said bluntly, shaking his head. "But you're welcome to come with."
He nodded slowly before picking the baby up, kissing the tip of her nose. "Are you ready to go the park?" he asked her and she laughed, tapping his face with the palms of her hands. "Da, da, da," she agreed, bouncing in his arms. He squinted at her, taking her arm in his hand and kissing her palm. "I can't tell if you're German or if you're identifying me." She gurgled, reaching up to play with his curly hair and he sighed before heading into the kitchen.
Jack returned in a moment with Aubrey in a baby carrier and a linen sack tied to his belt. "Are you ready?"
He didn't return the smile, but nodded, heading for the door. "Say bye to the house, Aubrey," he murmured and she patted his head excitedly. "Beeee," she said, waving as he locked the door.
