Dakota was slightly stunned for a moment.
Her lips parted slightly as she looked up at Curtis, meeting his deep and resolute gaze.
Curtis slowly bent down, bringing his nose close to hers, "I know, our Kota likes these things, not just these, but also enjoys the hustle and bustle, and most of all, watching fireworks."
Dakota's heartstrings were suddenly plucked.
She didn't expect...
He knew all of her preferences.
Including watching fireworks.
She had never told anyone that she loved watching fireworks.
But Curtis had noticed. Though Dakota never verbally expressed her fondness, every New Year, she'd excitedly suggest buying fireworks in the group chats.
The Gardner family's New Year celebrations were always quiet.
They didn't set off fireworks.
But mostly because Greta thought fireworks were fleeting, like her failed romance, which made her dislike them.
But Dakota, who loved the hustle and bustle, enjoyed watching them.
When she was little, she would sweetly beg her grandma to buy sparklers and small fireworks so she could light them herself. But once, when she was playing with fireworks waiting for Greta to return for the New Year, Greta got furious.
Since then, Dakota never played with fireworks at home again, only at friends' gatherings.
When she watched fireworks, her eyes would light up.
As if the flames reflected in her irises, capturing all the beauty around her.
While Curtis never spared words, he was always attentive, even if he was a bit of a softie under that tough exterior.
Ever since he found out Dakota liked fireworks, he'd remind Noe to buy some ahead of time for New Year gatherings, sometimes bringing some himself.
Noe even thought Curtis, the macho man, liked fireworks and teased him about it.
"Kota."
Curtis's gaze was intense and straightforward, like a predator's, but without the discomfort, it felt more like a magnetic pull.
"She wasn't a good mother, but that's not your fault."
"You're great."
"Even among countless stars, you're the brightest and the one who makes my heart flutter the most."
Dakota's heart fluttered uncontrollably.
It was as if a star had fallen into her heart, creating ripples that couldn't be smoothed over.
Curtis gently massaged the back of her head, a gesture filled with reassurance, and said firmly, "My wife deserves the best of everything in this world."
"So don't be upset—"
He lowered his head to meet her eyes, with a hint of coaxing, "Okay?"
Those ripples in Dakota's heart spread even wider.
So...
He was trying to cheer her up.
He hadn't let Greta's negativity affect him. Instead, he noticed her unhappiness.
So, he was making a real effort to comfort her.
"Do you still want burgers?"
Curtis looked at her intently, "Or grilled lobster tail? Anything else, whatever you want, I'll make it for you."
Dakota couldn't feel sad anymore.
She sniffled softly, her voice softening, "I want burgers."
"Okay." Curtis extended his hand.
Perhaps due to having just come in from outside, his fingertips were a little cold, and as he reached for Dakota's hand, it felt cautious.
Dakota didn't refuse this time.
She turned her gaze to Curtis and suddenly clasped his hand.
