Kiera’s POV***
As I sat at the picnic table, I watched Bane and Koda standing in line. My son’s animated gestures and Bane’s easy laughter filled me with a mix of warmth and anxiety. I hadn’t realized how much Koda missed out by not really having a male figure in his life until now. Seeing him so happy tugged at my heart. That little man was my whole world.
Bane returned with Koda carrying a tray loaded down with funnel cakes, corn dogs, cotton candy, and drinks. Koda was beaming, holding a huge piece of cotton candy almost as big as his head. Bane’s eyes sparkled as he handed me a plate with a funnel cake dusted generously with powdered sugar.
“Here you go, princess,” Bane said with a grin. My heart did a little flip at the playful use of Koda’s nickname for me. I accepted the plate,
