Page 25 of I Loved You First

“Stay right here,” Cam said to Brady, handing off the stuffed dinosaur before he walked inside the pen, wading into the thick of things, holding out his hand to Fiona.

She took it. “I’m losing the battle.” She winced. “They’re stepping on my toes.”

“Let’s try this,” he said, scooping her into his arms.

She smiled as she hooked her arm around the back of his neck. “Thank you.”

“Are you okay?”

She nodded. “Mostly, I just need a shower. Sandals and animal poop aren’t a great combination.”

They both looked at her soiled feet.

“Yay, Dad! You’re a superhero,” Brady said, jumping up and down.

Cam struggled not to trip as he navigated around two dozen miniature and adult animals. “Did you hear that? I’m a superhero.”

Fiona laughed.

He chuckled, loving that this was happening. Fi felt amazing in his arms. She smelled just as great despite their surroundings.

And then they made it to the exit.

Someone let them out, and he set her down. “Safe and sound.”

She smiled. “Thank you, Cam.”

Brady pulled on Fiona’s hand. “My dad saved you.”

“He definitely did.”

“We should have some ice cream.”

Fiona and Cam laughed.

“That sounds really awesome, buddy, but I can’t right now. I need to go home.”

Brady’s bottom lip turned down. “But you’re my best friend.”

She nodded. “I am. But I have poop on my toes.”

Brady looked down. “Eww!”

She laughed. “I know. I need a shower. And I think my shoes are going in the trash.”

Cam took Brady’s hand. “We’ll have ice cream with Fiona some other time.” And he planned to make sure that happened. “Thanks for reminding Brady that he’s so brave.”

“Anytime.” She gently tapped Brady’s nose. “I’ll see you around, buddy.”

“Bye, Fiona.”

“Do you want us to walk you to your car?”

She shook her head. “I’m all set.”

“Then I guess we’ll go wash our hands and have some lunch. We’ll see you.”

“Okay. Bye.”