Timothy's little face scrunched stubbornly, his lips jutting forward in that way Bella knew meant he wouldn't back down easily. "But Mama," he whined softly, "I just want to know his name. Please?"
Bella opened her mouth, ready to snap at him again, when Jake crouched down once more, his eyes twinkling. "It's alright," he said gently, cutting off Bella's protest. "My name is Jake."
Timothy's face brightened instantly, his small teeth showing in a wide grin. "Jake," he repeated, testing it like it was the most important word in the world. Then he giggled, clapping his hands once. "Wow. Jake.... it's easy to call!"
Jake chuckled, watching the pure joy on the child's face while wondering why he was feeling this connected to him. It was an unexplainable connection.
