Zeke had been visiting Cassidy’s apartnt almost every day. It had beco a quiet routine, he’d show up after work or on weekends, play house with Claire, read her a story, help build her Lego house, or just sit on the floor while she played with her toys and talked about her day. Claire had grown used to his presence and even looked forward to it.
And on the days he couldn’t co, she always found a way to reach him, borrowing Cassidy’s phone to call or video chat, usually with a serious expression, like she had urgent news to share about her toys or snacks.
But today was different.
It was the weekend, and Claire was finally going to visit his place.
Zeke ca downstairs and looked around for Mr. Nelson, the head butler. He spotted him near the bookshelf, holding a clipboard.
"Mr. Nelson, is everything ready?" Zeke asked.
"Yes, sir," Mr. Nelson replied with a nod. "The house has been cleaned, the sheets have been changed, and the toys are set up in the guest room, just as you requested."
Zeke nodded. "What about the food? Have the chefs arrived?"
"Chef Garret and her team ca in this morning. They’ll start cooking about an hour before your guests arrive. We also prepared a special kid friendly nu."
Zeke added firmly, "No shrimp or carrots. Make sure the kitchen rembers."
Mr. Nelson gave a nod. "Already taken care of, sir."
Zeke thought for a mont. "And Rocco? Has he been bathed?"
Mr. Nelson smiled. "Yes, sir. He’s sunbathing in the backyard now. We also prepared so dog treats in case your guest wants to feed him."
Zeke gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Let’s make sure everything runs smoothly."
"Of course, sir."
Zeke glanced out the window. In the backyard, Rocco lay peacefully in the sun, his freshly washed white fur shining.
Today had to go well. Claire needed to feel at ho. And Cassidy too.
Zeke grabbed his car keys and headed out to pick them up from Cassidy’s apartnt. The entire drive, he was in a good mood, lighthearted, upbeat, and quietly excited.
When he arrived, Cassidy, Claire, and Clara were already waiting outside, dressed and ready. They got into his car together, and Claire’s smile hadn’t left her face since she saw him.
"Are we going to your house, Uncle Zeke?" she asked eagerly as she climbed into the back seat, hugging her stuffed toys, Sparkle and Browny.
Zeke nodded. "Yeah."
"Can I see Rocco?" Claire asked, eyes full of hope.
"You’ll see him very soon," Zeke replied with a grin.
"I can’t wait. I want to play with Rocco."
When they arrived at the villa, Claire’s eyes lit up in amazent. A grand fountain sparkled in the middle of the driveway, surrounded by lush rose gardens, and the large villa stood proudly with its classic modern design.
"Your house looks like a castle, Uncle Zeke," Claire said in awe.
Mr. Nelson and a few staff mbers were already waiting at the front entrance.
"Welco back, sir. And welco, ladies and young lady." Mr. Nelson greeted warmly.
Zeke gave him a small nod. Claire stared wide eyed at the neatly dressed butlers and maids standing in line.
"Uncle Zeke," she whispered, tugging at his sleeve. "You have servants too? Are you a prince?"
Zeke chuckled, and so did Cassidy and Clara. Even Mr. Nelson and the staff couldn’t help but smile at her innocent question.
"No, kiddo," Zeke said with a laugh. "Co on. Want a house tour?"
Claire nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, please."
Zeke gave Cassidy, Clara, and Claire a full house tour. Claire’s eyes sparkled with excitent as they moved from room to room, taking in the grand staircase, high ceilings, and wide windows that flooded the villa with sunlight.
When Zeke showed them his collection room filled with neatly arranged Legos, miniature cars, and action figures, Claire gasped in awe.
"Wow. You have so many Legos, Uncle Zeke. And look at all these little cars."
Zeke chuckled softly. "I used to love building Legos when I was younger. And I really enjoyed collecting these too, especially the cars and action figures. These are all from back then. I don’t really collect anymore, but I kept them all. Back then, I could spend hours just arranging them. It was my favorite way to relax."
Cassidy looked around the room, surprised. During their years of marriage, she had never known that Zeke had this kind of hobby. She walked quietly through the space, taking it all in.
From the collection room, Zeke led them to one of the guest rooms, already set up with a small tent, stuffed animals, and a basket full of toys and books.
Claire’s eyes lit up again. "Is this for ?"
Zeke smiled warmly. "If you get sleepy later, you can take a nap here. And yes, all of these toys are for you too."
Claire turned to him, eyes wide. "Really?"
"Of course."
After the tour, as they walked back toward the living room, Claire glanced around once more and said, "Your house is so big, Uncle Zeke. Do you live here with your mommy too?"
Zeke’s lips twitched into an amused smile. "No, sweetheart," he said with a chuckle. "My mom lives sowhere else. I’m a little too old to be living with her. I live here by myself."
Claire tilted her head, clearly thinking. "You live all alone in this big house? Don’t you get lonely?"
"I do get lonely sotis," Zeke said with a playful smile. "Maybe you should co live here with and keep company."
Claire furrowed her brows, considering it seriously. "But if I live here, what about Mommy and Grandma Clara?"
Zeke laughed softly and gently patted her head. "I’m just joking, kiddo. Besides, I’m not completely alone. I have Mr. Nelson and Rocco here with ."
Zeke then led them out to the backyard.
Claire’s eyes lit up the mont she saw the view. "Your swimming pool is so big, Uncle Zeke."
Zeke chuckled softly. "Glad you think so. Now, would you like to et Rocco?"
Claire’s eyes widened even more. "Yes."
Zeke brought two fingers to his lips and let out a sharp whistle. "Rocco."
From the far end of the garden, a large white Samoyed ca bounding across the grass, his thick coat shimring under the sun, tongue hanging out with excitent.
He ran straight toward Zeke at full speed.
Just before Rocco could run into him, Zeke raised his hand. "Rocco, sit."
The dog stopped imdiately and sat on command, his tail sweeping happily across the ground.
Zeke crouched down. "Rocco, spin."
Rocco turned in a neat circle.
"Rocco, paw."
The dog lifted one fluffy paw, placing it proudly into Zeke’s hand.
Claire stared in awe. "He’s amazing..."
Cassidy and Clara exchanged amused glances as Claire stepped forward, her curiosity and excitent glowing on her face.
Zeke smiled. "Want to try giving him a command?"
Claire looked up eagerly. "Can I try?"
Zeke smiled. "Of course you can."
With a bit of excitent, Claire mimicked what she had seen earlier. "Rocco, sit!" she said, her voice a little unsure.
To her delight, Rocco obeyed instantly, wagging his tail as he looked at her with friendly eyes.
Claire giggled. "Spin!"
Rocco twirled again, making her laugh even harder.
"Paw?" she asked hopefully.
The big Samoyed lifted his fluffy paw, and Claire gently took it in both hands, her eyes shining.
"Can I pet his fur, Uncle Zeke?"
Zeke nodded. "Go ahead. Rocco’s a good boy, very friendly."
Claire stepped closer and ran her fingers through Rocco’s thick, soft coat. Her eyes lit up. "Wow... it’s so soft. I want to hug him. Can I?"
"Absolutely."
Without hesitation, Claire wrapped her arms around Rocco’s neck, burying her face into his fur. Rocco remained still, gently nuzzling her shoulder with a quiet huff of approval.
Soon after, Claire sat on the grass beside him, feeding him small treats Zeke handed her. She laughed as Rocco licked her fingers gently, his tail thumping against the ground.
From a nearby outdoor couch, Cassidy and Clara sat together, watching the scene unfold.
Clara smiled, her voice soft. "Zeke’s a natural. You can see it in his eyes how much he loves Claire."
Cassidy didn’t respond. Her eyes stayed fixed on the two in the yard.
Clara continued gently, "Claire would be overjoyed if she ever found out he’s her father."
Cassidy remained silent, lips pressed into a thin line.
Clara let out a small sigh, then added, "It seems like Claire hasn’t been asking about Xavier lately. And he hasn’t been calling much either, has he?"
Cassidy frowned slightly. She hadn’t noticed until now. The last ti she spoke to Xavier was a few days ago, a short call, nothing more. The last ti they saw each other was at the restaurant, that awkward eting with Zeke.
And Claire?
She hadn’t ntioned Xavier in days. Maybe because Zeke had been filling the space, playing with her, listening to her stories, making her laugh.
Cassidy sat quietly, her gaze still on the yard where Claire was now lying on the grass beside Rocco, giggling as the fluffy dog rolled onto his back.
It hit her, all at once.
In just a week Zeke had done sothing she didn’t expect.
He’d filled the space Xavier used to occupy in Claire’s little world, effortlessly.
Claire no longer asked about Xavier. No longer waited for his calls. These past few days, all she talked about was Zeke.
Uncle Zeke this.
Uncle Zeke that.
Every little thing seed to circle back to him.
Could Zeke really replace Xavier in Claire’s heart?
***
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