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It was very sweet of Vincent to choose to entertain your daughter on his own birthday.
The three of you were currently at the zoo, but you were more entertained by watching the two of them than the animals. The way they observed with wonder anything beautiful or curious, or the way they discussed aesthetics or the care of the animals.
Your daughter had really taken after her father. Your two angels.
Right now, Vincent had caught the little girl struggling with the pronunciation of a word and had tried to help, which ended up with him asking her the name of the animals and helping her with the words she didn’t remember.
She was primarily taught French, as it was the main language she needed to be able to communicate with, since you had been living in Paris, but you and Vincent had slowly been teaching her your languages. Little games like that were common in your family adventures, and your daughter loved that.
Vincent often said she had your determination, curiosity and love for learning.
But it didn’t matter who she took after, as long as she learned to do things because she liked them.
The little excursion ended when the little girl tugged at Vincent’s coat and said she was hungry.
“Then let’s find something to eat, liefje.” Vincent chuckled, scooping the girl up. “What do you want?”
She giggled.
“Mom and I brought food.”
“You did?” Vincent sent a surprised glance at you and you laughed too.
“It was a surprise. It is a nice spring day, and we thought a picnic outdoors would be nice for your birthday.” You kissed his cheek and took his free hand. “She helped make everything.”
Since she was only four, you kept her away from anything dangerous and didn’t give her much work, just let her help because she was excited about it, but for the little you saw, she didn’t seem to have inherited Vincent’s cooking abilities at least.
Vincent smiled, kissing both you and the girl in his arm.
“Thank you, my loves. I was really thinking the weather was perfect for a picnic.”
You loved the way he smiled and his eyes sparkled with delight. All of your work was worth it to see him so happy.
The spring weather was truly wonderful for picnics. Not too hot, with a nice breeze. The park you had chosen was a special sight these days, with its blooming flowers. You weren’t the only ones with the same idea.
“I can’t believe you put it in here without me noticing.” Vincent laughed, helping you take the food from the car.
“I was going to invite you to this picnic, but you suggested the family trip first, so I decided to turn it into a surprise.”
Eating together wasn’t anything new, but the different place certainly changed the mood. Your conversation was lighthearted as you shared the sandwiches and drinks you brought. It was something so simple and yet it made all of you so happy.
When most of the food was gone, you and Vincent had a moment alone, just watching your daughter, who had run up to observe the flowers.
“We should do this more often.” Vincent said, looking so satisfied. “Maybe bring Theo next time.”
Theo had been working, although you were pretty sure he was planning something else to celebrate his brother’s birthday later.
“Does that mean you had fun today?”
“I always have fun with you.” Vincent looked back at you with such a loving smile that was enough to make you melt. “I have the best family I could wish for.” He reached out, caressing your cheek.
“Good. Happy birthday, Vincy.” You took the initiative and gave him a chaste kiss.
“Thank you, schatje. You make my life brighter every year. Both of you do.”
He leaned in for another kiss, but stopped when your daughter ran up to you.
“Mom! Dad! I found a butterfly!”
“Really?” Vincent turned to her, and she started tugging at his hand.
“Come see it!”
You both laughed, following her. She was usually such a calm child until something really caught her interest.
Vincent looked at you and mouthed a silent “I love you”, to which you answered in the same tone.