It may or may not have surprised Leah that he already had contingencies in place to handle the moment that Marigold accidentally called him daddy. He knew that Leah probably wouldn't want her to think that he was her father, but he also wouldn't mind stepping in as a father figure. It was a delicate situation, Evan knew and understood that, but he didn't want the girl to feel unwanted either. So he'd decided that while he wouldn't come out and say that he wasn't her father, he'd give himself a different name and then defer to Leah. Give her the chance to explain the situation.
“Well, I'm glad you've found your reason to smile again.” Gladder that he'd helped her, but he didn't say that because it would probably sound a little bit self-centered. “You two should be together, anyway. You're too good a mom not to have your girl with you.” It was both a reassurance and a moment of pride, that his mission had succeeded.
He chuckled. “As it should be,” he agreed, turning his head just in time to see Marigold nod. He had to wonder if it was just four-year-old enthusiasm, or if she really meant it. There were people who should've definitely come before him. Like Kori and Lilah, and Brandon, as much as he hated to admit it. Leah's Franglish made him chuckle a little bit, and he met her questioning eyes with a dismissive wave and a loving smile. “Close enough for my liking,” he told her seriously. French adjective placement was an odd thing. He'd teach her the right way later.
“Said, implied, meh. Now you're just splitting hairs.” Evan raised his eyebrows once more. “Oh, I know. I can't even lie and pretend that's true. You are definitely good at things, and even that's an understatement.” He licked his lips. Oftentimes, he'd wondered if that was the repression she'd forced herself into over the past few years, but he never asked. It didn't matter anymore.
Though he'd been tempted, Evan did his best not to talk to Leah about her issues with Rae. She may have never liked the younger woman, but Rae was a good person, even though her optimism was a bit much sometimes. He was surprised, though, when he didn't have to repeat his suggestion or justify it. “I can only imagine how awkward that would be. Though Eli's a medical professional, I doubt he's been trained to deal with that awkward feeling quite yet.” He smirked a little at his best friend's expense.
Evan smiled a little. “We do,” he agreed. “Not that we aren't already, but...” he brushed his thumb along her lower lip. “We deserve to enjoy each other, too.” That was the least obvious way he could think of to say it.