Re: Home: Iris and Manning
It wasn't a surprise that the ring fit perfectly. It slid on easily, but settled just snug enough that there was no fear of it slipping off. At some point in the future, she'd study it closer and enjoy the delicate sparkle of it, but for now she was more invested in watching Manning and the soft expression on his face.
Iris curled her fingers at the touch of his lips, turning her hand easily with his guidance and then cradling her palm against his jaw after he'd kissed there as well. It was rough with stubble, and she rubbed her fingers against it, one direction and then the other, savoring the rasp and the shape of his cheek beneath her hand.
The two littles were sleeping, but TJ was awake in her room, playing with the dogs and her stuffed animals. Creating stories of daring adventure for them, the last time Iris had poked her head in. But even if TJ came downstairs, it would be far from the first time she'd seen the two of them kissing. At one time, Iris had tried to hide it, not wanting to intrude on the careful balance that Manning and TJ had created as the girl had grown in her early years. But they'd all settled together since Iris had moved in, and even more as the other girls were born and they moved to their new house. In fact, the marriage (when it came), would only solidify what had already begun to grow strong.
So Iris didn't hesitate to kiss Manning in return, her arms slipping up over his shoulders in the way they so often did, crossing in back and providing just enough leverage that she could rise up onto her toes for that tiny bit of extra height.