She quickly turned and looked at what had made that sound. A man with wavy blonde hair was pushing a little toddler in one of the baby swings. He had emerald eyes and a strong jaw. He was handsome, Riza couldn't help but note. His son was blonde as well, with big brown eyes and a round, chubby face.
"Might I say, that was a perfect landing," The man told Riza and she grinned.
"I've had practice," she said, glancing at Oliver.
"Well, can't argue with that," The man laughed and smiled, revealing pearly straight teeth. At that moment a little boy, maybe around 10, ran up and yanked on the man's arm.
"Daddy, why don't you push me that high?" He whined and Riza laughed.
"How about I help with that," she said looking at the small blonde boy.
"Really?" He asked and she nodded.
"Don't tell him, but I am way stronger than your dad," she said and the boy giggled. The man made fake but adorable pouty face and looked at them.
"That hurts!" He protested and even Oliver giggled. "Oh so you think this is funny?" He said and Oliver nodded, laughing. Riza couldn't help but join in, and soon even the man had given up trying to hold back the laugher.
Riza pushed the boy on the swing, and caught him the same as she had Oliver while Oliver propelled herself high above them all. Silver and Hayate were obviously getting bored so Riza unclipped them from their leashes and let them run free. She knew they wouldn't go far, she had trained them well.
"Seems like your good with kids," the man approached her while Oliver played with his two sons as they chased the dogs.
"Well, raising that little one helps," she said, gazing at Oliver.
"I know what you mean," he said with a smile. "Andrew Andres, amateur parent. Please Madame, will you consider taking on an apprentice?" Riza laughed and smiled as he held out his hand.
"Sorry, but I already have a waiting list. You know, I'm Riza Hawkeye, kinda famous around here, Professional Parent and all that," she giggled and accepted his hand shaking it firmly.
"Ah, firm handshake, eh, a good quality," he observed with fake criticism and Riza felt a smile cover her face.
"One of my many," she joked and he laughed.
"Modest included I guess," he said and Riza couldn't help but giggle and nod.
"That too." The two parents talked for a while, and Riza smiled more she had in the last year. Andrew was funny, sweet, and quite attractive. He told her how his kids' mother had died in a train wreck 2 years ago on her way to visit her dying parents. Riza merely told him that Oliver's father had left them before he even knew he had a daughter, not that far from the truth. Soon Oliver and the boys, William and Shawn, came back to protest that they were hungry. Surprisingly, Andrew said he knew about a little café close to the park, and it had great food. He invited them to come along and Riza couldn't help but accept.
"Is it alright if I bring my dogs' home first?" She asked and Andrew nodded.
"Mommy, can I walk with William?" Her daughter begged and against her better judgment Riza agreed. But when she got to the café, there they were, all sitting together eating with a seat between Oliver and Andrew vacant besides a heaping plate of spaghetti in front of it. Riza slid into the seat and Oliver smiled.
"I ordered for you!" She grinned and Riza smiled and started to eat. Andrew was right, the food was great. When she went up to pay for her meal, Andrew wouldn't hear of it. They exchanged phone numbers and for once, Riza wanted to stay with this family. But she had to take Oliver home, it was already 3 in the afternoon.
"So Oliver, did you like the boys?" Riza asked as they walked home. Oliver nodded and Riza smiled.
"Did you think William was cute.." she teased and her daughter blushed.
"Gosh mom, boys are icky!" She made a face but Riza knew better.
"I think.. you like him!" She said and tickled her daughter's stomach while she doubled over in laughter.
"No..no!" Oliver protested and Riza ushered her in their apartment.
"I don't believe you!" She said and Oliver pouted. But seconds later, the doorbell rang.
HAHA! I like leaving you guys in suspense. And don't worry, this is still a Royai! RawR please!