Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Chapter 242

We got out of the car. The air smelled like pine and sunshine, and Aspen was

practically dragging us toward the enclosures before we'd even paid the entrance f*e.

"Looook!" she squealed. "That one's got a funny tail!"

"That's a lemur," Alec said, keeping pace with her tiny footsteps. "They live in Madagascar."

Aspen frowned up at him. "Where's that?"

"A magical land very far away," he teased, tickling her side.

I couldn't help but laugh. "He means it's an island off the coast of Africa."

Aspen's eyes widened. "Is that where giraffes live?"

Alec and I exchanged a glance before he said, "Close enough."

Alec then lifted her up and put her on his shoulder so that she could have a better view of all the animals. Her eyes were wide with excitement. She pressed herself forward on Alec's shoulders, peering over the fences and into each exhibit like she was hunting for treasure.

"Look, Mommy! An elephant!" she gasped, pointing dramatically.

Alec looked at me and grinned. "Wanna tell her about elephants or should I?"

"Go ahead," I said, already amused.

He adjusted Aspen slightly so she could see better. "Okay, little butterfly, elephants are the largest land animals on Earth. They can weigh over six tons, and they're really smart-kind of like Uncle Jason when he's not talking."

Aspen giggled. "Do they have wings?"

"Nope," I said, coming to walk beside them. "But they flap their ears like wings to cool off."

"Whaaat?" Her jaw dropped in disbelief.

elephants to the lions, where Alec pointed to the large male

laughed softly as those around

know that." Alec commented with a wide smile on his

me watch lion king all the time." Aspen answered without taking her eyes from the lion. "But where are Simba and Scar? And Timon

"Maybe

"Oh, okay."

Aspen made us all jump

candy and stuffed animals. Aspen

try it?

at me first. "Mind if I spoil

eyes. "You're

holding a giant puff of sugar, licking it like

the most magical thing she'd ever

murmured, eyes

some sugar from her cheek with a gentleness that made my stomach

one of the booths, Aspen's eyes locked on the wall of stuffed animals.

you want?" Alec asked, already stepping

But... can you win

"Challenge accepted," he smirked.

my arms and watched he handed the man behind

few tickets. It

ring toss-easy to play, nearly impossible

"Good luck," I teased.

threw the first ring.

Second. Missed again.

your little

and huffed,

I could tell him that he'll get Aspen's adoration, said girl jumped in. "You'll get kisses

set in. He threw one

squealed again. "You

booth attendant handed over the plush monkey