"Can we see the giraffes first?" Grace asked as she, Saffron and Tony made their way through the entrance to the London Zoo. "I want to see the giraffes!"
Saff and Tony, who each held one of her little girl's hands, smiled at one another, hearing this. They knew that this day was special for Grace. Outings from the children's home were still somewhat rare, unless a child was being considered for adoption.
"Sounds like a good idea to me," Saffron said. "Tony?"
"I'm all for it!" Tony replied, grinning. "I think your mates will be 'appy to see you, Miss Giraffe."
"But I can't be Miss Giraffe if I'm down here!" Grace told him.
Tony hoisted her up so she was sitting astride his shoulders as she had in the store during Christmas shopping. The holiday was now only a week away and all of London was gaily decorated in anticipation of the day.
Saffy smiled brightly, watching Tony and Grace. He was a natural with children, she noted, and seemed to enjoy caring for them. Grace was wholly taken with him.
She was too, but on a different level. That said, ever since Tony had spent the night with her, the two of them had been treating each other with kid gloves. It was her fault, she knew, for having gone cold on him the next morning and she hoped this outing with Grace might patch things up a bit. But Saffron also loved the thought of spending the day with the little girl, who was quickly claiming a special place in her heart.
"Now, then," Saff said to Grace, who was thrilled at once again having a high perch from which to see the world, "Looks like you're all set to see the animals. Isn't it nice, having Mister Tony help you be taller than the other children?"
"Yes!" Grace squeaked excitedly.
Tony laughed out loud.
"You girls!" he joked. "A fellow does one nice thing for ya and ya go on and on 'bout it, then, 'ey?"
"We do, indeed," Saffy told him, her eyes fixed on his handsome face.
"The giraffes! There they are!" Grace exclaimed, pointing in the direction of the long-necked animals.
When they got to the giraffe enclosure, Saffron, Grace and Tony laughed, watching the odd-looking creatures gad about. One of the smaller giraffes, not as wary of humans as its elders, came right up to the fence where the trio stood. Grace's green eyes went wide as it lowered its face towards hers.
"Hello, giraffe," she said softly, suddenly going a bit shy. The little giraffe pressed its snout close to the fence. Grace giggled uncontrollably.
Saff couldn't help smiling at the sight of her small friend being enthralled by the sweet animal. Tony, for his part, winked at Saffron as Grace pressed her tiny hand to the fence. The giraffe stuck out its tongue, as if to test for a snack of some kind. It brushed Grace's palm and she jerked her hand away, shrieking with laughter. The little giraffe stared at her, confused by the sound.
"'Ey… Not sure your friend 'ere wanted you to pull back from 'im, Gracie," Tony said, "I think 'e's rather fond of you, my girl."
"Miss Saffron?" Grace began, "What's a … a… fon?"
Laughing, Saff hastened to explain.
"'Fond' means that you, or someone else, really likes you. Or loves you. Do you understand that, Grace?"
Grace thought it over for a minute.
"Yes!" she said giddily. "Like you and Mister Tony!"
At that, Tony and Saffron both rather shyly looked down to the ground, each remaining silent, blushing at the truth of the statement.
Grace turned her attention back to the little giraffe, who was again sticking out its tongue at her. She mimicked the gesture, which set Saff and Tony to laughing.
"Not much gets by her, 'ey?" Tony finally said quietly, flashing his cheeky grin at Saffy.
Saffron grinned back at him, still ablush.
"Wise beyond her years," Saffy replied, watching Grace again place her palm to the fence, this time not pulling away when her giraffe friend touched it.
What more was there to say?