Page 48 of His Surrender

She responds with a happy kick of her legs.

“They’re going to fall in love with you.”

I run my hand along a row of soft corduroy dresses before one catches my eye.

Cream-colored with tiny embroidered pumpkins stitched along the hem.

It’s simple, sweet, and perfect for October.

I hold it up in front of Liana. “What do you think?”

She stares at it for a second before deciding the tag is infinitely more interesting.

I laugh. “I’ll take that as your approval.”

A pair of brown knit leggings hangs with little crocheted booties dangling beside it.

My heart practically melts.

“Well,”—I smile to myself— “now we kind of need the whole outfit.”

Twenty minutes later, I’m standing at the register while the cashier folds everything neatly into pale tissue paper.

“She’s adorable,” the woman says, smiling at Liana. “How old?”

“Three months.”

“I miss those days,” she lets out a soft sigh.

I smile as she slides the little shopping bag across the counter.

“Have a wonderful evening.”

“You too.”

As I tuck my wallet back into my purse, my phone buzzes.

I glance down to see two missed calls from Dean.

That’s unusual.

Before I can unlock my screen, another notification appears.

Dean: Everything okay?

I glance toward the parking lot through the front windows.

We’re only fifteen minutes from the penthouse. He’s probably home a little earlier than he expected.

I quickly type back.

Me: Everything’s fine! We just finished shopping. Be home soon.

I slip my phone back into my purse, hang the little shopping bag from the stroller handle, and lean down to smile at Liana.

“Ready to show your daddy your new outfit?”

I steer the stroller toward the exit and head for home.