"Love usually doesn't have much to do with things, here. But I appreciate your optimism. I need to reclaim my own."

He squeezes her hand and raises it to give a kiss to the back in gratitude. "And if he does come back, I trust he will be thrilled to be part of the James bubble. Anything to keep this little one safe." He smiles and bumps his small nose with a finger, watching him giggle. It makes his heart feel light.

"And in the meantime I am your designated babysitter. It definitely helps to have this little guy to distract me. He's so sweet."