Chapter Text
Evelyn, now a rosy-cheeked toddler of nearly fourteen months, toddled from one side of Larissa’s office to the other while clutching the edge of the polished desk.
Larissa, still dressed impeccably in her fitted suit, crouched down, holding her arms out. “Come to Mama, darling,” she encouraged softly. “Just one step.”
Evelyn wobbled in place, her chubby little hands letting go of the desk for the briefest moment. She leaned forward and—before Larissa could even process it—took two shaky steps toward her.
Larissa’s breath caught. “Oh! You did it!” she cried, scooping her daughter into her arms with a laugh that was so pure and warm it startled even herself. “Malcolm is going to be so proud of you.”
As if summoned by her words, Malcolm appeared in the doorway moments later, having just finished a call with the statehouse. “What’s all this cheering?” he asked, his grin growing as he saw the way Larissa’s face glowed.
“She walked,” Larissa said, turning toward him with Evelyn in her arms. “Our little girl just took her first steps.”
Malcolm’s eyes softened, and he crossed the room to kiss Evelyn’s head. “Did you really, little raven? You couldn’t wait for your old man to see it, huh?” He smiled at Larissa, brushing a hand over her cheek. “And you—you look like you might cry.”
“I might,” Larissa admitted with a small laugh. “Don’t you dare comment on it.”
Malcolm knelt on the carpet and coaxed Evelyn to try again, holding out his hands. Larissa sat beside them, laughing softly every time Evelyn plopped onto her bottom, only to push herself back up with determination.
“She’s got your stubbornness,” Malcolm teased.
“And your charm,” Larissa countered. “We’re in trouble.”