It was unmistakable, how much Leah had changed since Marigold was returned to her. Rory hadn't known before, of course, but now, seeing her with her daughter, it became apparent how much of the woman's anger and hostility had come from what had been stolen from her. That little girl had transformed her mother, and it was astounding. Rory couldn't help but smile when AJ received his kiss and giggled happily, loudly, like his entire day had been made by her praise and affection.
This wasn't the same woman who had seemed so uncomfortable around her son. Same location, but a different Leah.
Rory took her seat promptly, smiling knowingly in Leah's direction. "Just wait until he's a teenager, and his first crush is on the beautiful blonde who took him on the swings." It was playful, of course, though Rory liked to think that her son's future was a certainty. She couldn't believe anything else.
Marigold's appearance made her grin, though not wide enough to outshine the excitement of her son. He shouted what almost sounded like 'Mari,' almost, and then decided to bolt towards the playground equipment. It was time to play. "Well, he lost interest in us fast."