He was quiet for a moment, wrapping his free arm around her. His heartbeat was steady in his chest and he took a deep breath, kissing the top of her head, the smell of almond and sea salt filling her nose. "...I love you too."
She relaxed, her body warm as she pulled away. She gave him a small smile before returning to the table. "Let's eat."
He nodded in agreement and sat down, his eyes thoughtful, if not a little worried. He bounced Aubrey on his leg and the baby cooed, reaching for his face. "Thank you for the food, Av."
"You thought I didn't know how, so I simply had to prove you wrong," she teased. "But you're welcome."
"You have succeeded in bringing me enough misery for a lifetime, Avice," he said tiredly, leaning back in his chair.
He looked up slowly, a frown on his face. He hesitated, holding Aubrey on his lap. "...no. Sorry. That's... that was me. Sorry."
"No," he said quietly, shaking his head. "I promised. I'm breaking that promise. I just... I forget sometimes."
"It is," he said, standing up. "I keep forgetting, but that's not fair. It's just... time has passed. I'm not used to having you back yet."
He was silent for a moment, sliding Aubrey in her chair carefully. His fingers were long and deft and Aubrey tried to pull them into her mouth, gurgling slightly. Jack paused, looking down at her, speaking to Avice while avoiding her gaze.. "I do love you, you know."
