“We definitely would’ve gotten along,” Leah agreed with a nod. “Or, you know, that thing I said a while back about her being my worst enemy.” She and Stephanie either would’ve been great friends or great enemies. “Either way, I’d have liked to meet her. Think she’d have been excited about being an aunt?” George still wasn’t keen on the idea, but she was trying and Leah deeply appreciated that.
Glancing down, Leah smiled a little shyly. “I’m glad you think so. Not many guys would stick around a chick who already has a kid.” Even if he’d been the one to reunite her with Marigold.
It was most definitely a strange time to share memories like this, but Leah didn’t mind. The easy conversation helped to settle her anxieties and take her mind off the fact that they were in the infirmary for a medical procedure. “Maybe you should do some of the cooking for us this Christmas, then. A little return to tradition.” Colony-wide meals were fine, but nothing compared to having an actual family dinner that was prepared by and for the family.
She rolled her eyes playfully, wondering what she’d just unleashed. “Do try hard. He’s only just starting to like you. Wouldn’t want to take you all the way back down to square one again, would we?”
That was a little worrisome. “They know where we are. What’s the point of sending out fake transmissions?” It was mostly a rhetorical question. Without much information to go on, Leah couldn’t form her own theories about what the government might have planned. She didn’t particularly want to think about it either, especially right now.
Her responding smile was warm and filled with fondness. “You, monsieur, are head-over-heels excited to finally see our little French Pebble on that screen.” Her eyebrows lifted, waiting to see if Evan had a reaction to the spur-of-the-moment nickname she’d given to their little one. It was a rare moment indeed when she was actually able to come up with a clever nickname for something. Her cheeks flushed, then. Maybe it wasn’t clever. Maybe it was stupid. She continued, “But it’s okay. I like that we’re able to enjoy the moment and not have to rush through the procedure.”
“It’s one of the most beautiful things in the world,” Leah finished his trailing sentence, as she reached up with her free hand to dry her eyes. If she had any lingering doubts about keeping it, this drove them all away. She leaned her face into his touch. “I’m happy to be able to give you your chance to enjoy this.” And for Leah, a second chance.