She handed Mable the bag who gave her a soft smile. I reach into my back pocket, remembering Mabel's check written for a large sum for all she has done these past few days on such a short notice. 
"Mrs. Ruth," I smiled, handing her the check, "Thank you for everything. I really appreciate you staying with Athena," Adjusting Athena on my hip. 
Her eyes went wide seeing the money I had placed on there, tears welling in her eyes. 
"Mr. Mariano-," Mable starts but I quickly cut her off. 
"No," I say sternly, "I frankly believe that you deserve more. You will keep that check," I smile, "I am grateful for all you have done." 
"Thank you," She sighs, smiling, "I have to get home, dears," She hugs Ella, "I will open my gift at home, thank you, sweetheart." 
Ella smiled, kissing her cheek and giving her a small nod. Mable gives Athena a hug, squeezing my cheek and lightly patting with a lingering smile on her lips. She motions with her finger for me to come closer, setting Athena down, confused, I do leaning my head down for her. 
"Marry that girl," Mable whispers in my ear, my eyes snap to Ella who is now sitting on the couch giggling with Athena. 
My heart thumps in my chest, a smile growing on my face as my eyes stay on Ella and Athena. 
"I plan on it," I state with no hesitation. 
Mable smiled, nodding her head in approval, kissing my cheek as she sends us all one last wave before leaving. 
Taking a seat beside my daughter who is now sitting in the middle of Ella and I. Ella's eyes light up pulling Athena's gift from behind her back. 
"I couldn't forget to get the princess a gift, now could I?," Ella teased, smiling widely. 
Athena's eyes went wide, bouncing with excitement and squealing. She softly took the small bag from Ella, taking out the little velvet box with curious eyes. Opening the box, she squeals louder causing me to wince from the loud unexpected sound. 
"I love it!," She beams, taking the bracelet out, "Will you put it on me, El?," She asked. 
Ella nodded, giggling at the little girl's excitement. Kissing her nose, she took the small child sized bracelet from her and hooked it around her wrist. 
The moment it was secured, Athena bounced into Ella's arms. Ella looked up, catching my eyes and I couldn't take mine off of her. Ella gave me a sly wink, hugging Athena tightly as she smiled. 
After a while of sitting and talking with Athena, telling her all the things we saw in New York and answering her abundance amount of questions she had, she finally fell asleep. 
My hand that was wrapped around Ella's waist curled, grasping her tightly as I pulled her into my lap. She gasped lowly at the sudden move, her small delicate hands resting on my shoulders. 
Running my hands up and down her sides, I pulled her closer, leaving no amount of space between us as I just admired the pretty girl in my lap - fuck, was my heart beating fast. 
Every time I look at her my heart lurches and every time I swear I am having a heart attack, but it feels so fucking good. Her brown doe eyes drown me, pulling me in, like a siren singing her song.