Lisa laughed. " Told you !"
"Oh, really?" Canary said, his eyes narrowing playfully.
Before Lisa could react, he grabbed a bucket and splashed water right at her, soaking the front of her cardigan and shirt.
"Canary!" she gasped, frozen in shock as the kids erupted into laughter, clapping their hands in delight.
"Payback for teasing me," he said with a smirk, holding the empty bucket like a shield.
Lisa glared at him, her lips twitching into a mischievous grin. "Oh, you're going to regret that."
She grabbed a bucket nearby, quickly filled it with water from another and flung it at him.
Canary barely had time to dodge, catching a good splash across his shoulder.
"That's how you want to play?" he laughed, scooping another bucket of water.
The kids, sensing a full-blown water fight, cheered and joined in, splashing water on both Canary and Lisa. Soon, everyone was drenched, water flying in all directions as laughter echoed through the yard.
Lisa managed to corner Canary near the car, a smaller bucket in hand. "Truce?" he asked, holding up his hands in surrender.
"No way," she said with a wicked grin, dumping the water over his head.
Canary wiped his face and shook his wet hair like a dog, making her laugh even harder.
"Alright, you asked for it," he said, pulling her into the spray of a hose the kids had turned on.
By the time the chaos settled, everyone was soaked but smiling.
Lisa looked at Canary, her hair dripping and her cheeks flushed with laughter.
"This is not how I planned my Sunday," she said, wringing out the edge of her shirt.
"Neither did I," Canary replied, his grin unstoppable, "but I'd say it was worth it."
Stella, watching from the porch with a bemused smile, shook her head. "You two are as bad as the kids."
Stella hurried over, shaking her head in mock exasperation. "Oh, you little troublemakers! Let's get you two cleaned up." She told the children and ushered them toward the main building, disappearing briefly and returning with fresh clothes.
For Lisa, she handed over casual denim pants and a soft blue sweatshirt, knowing her style.
For Canary, she offered a simple gray T-shirt and black joggers.
"Here, this should do," Stella said, smiling. "I can't let you both sit around soaking wet."
Lisa held up the clothes, a playful smile on her face. "You always have a solution, don't you, Stella?"
"Always," Stella replied. "Now, go change before you catch a cold."
Lisa stepped into the changing room, clutching the fresh clothes Stella had given her.
Behind her, Canary followed, still dripping water onto the tiled floor.
"This is your fault, you know," Lisa teased, wringing water from her hair.
"My fault?" Canary raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a grin.
" Yes, You're the one who let the kids wash the car." Lisa muttered.
He turned to look at her, mock glaring. "You didn't stop them either!"
The playful argument dissolved into laughter as they looked at each other, both drenched and disheveled.
Lisa reached for a towel Stella had left behind and tossed it to Canary.
He caught it easily, but instead of drying himself, he stepped closer, his gaze softening.
"You've got water running down your face," he said gently, using the towel to dab at her forehead.
Lisa froze, her breath hitching as his fingers lingered near her cheek.
She felt her heart race, a warmth spreading despite the chill of their wet clothes.
"Thanks," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Canary's hand dropped, but his eyes never left hers. "You're beautiful, you know that?"
Lisa let out a nervous laugh, trying to downplay the fluttering in her chest. "I'm soaked and look like a mess."
"And still, you're beautiful," he insisted, his voice low and earnest holding her waist and pulling her closer.
The space between them seemed to shrink, and before Lisa could overthink it, Canary leaned in into a soft kiss.
His lips brushed against hers, soft and unhurried, as though the world outside had melted away.
Lisa responded, her hands resting lightly on his damp shirt.
Canary moved his hands from her waist to her buttocks which he squeezed gently and lifted her from the ground allowing her legs to caddle her.
He took her to the stand still in the kiss and made her sit there his body between her legs.
They were both lost in the kiss when Lisa pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushed.
"We're in a changing room," she whispered, half-scolding, half-teasing.
Canary smirked. "And?"
"And Stella's going to come looking for us if we take too long," she said, though her smile betrayed her reluctance to step away.
"Let her wait," Canary said, his voice playful but his eyes filled with affection.
Lisa shook her head, her laughter breaking the tension. "Get changed, you troublemaker. I'll meet you outside." She pushed him away and left the room.
After changing, Lisa and Canary went back to the children ang today was Lisa's turn to narrate.
After the story, Canary stood and clapped his hands to get the children's attention. "Now, for the surprise I promised!"
He opened the car trunk, revealing colorful packages.
The children gasped with excitement as he handed out gifts: a soccer ball, storybooks, crayons, puzzles, and plush toys. Each child's face lit up as they received something special.
"Thank you, Mr. Canary!" they chorused, hugging their treasures.
Lisa smiled, watching Canary laugh with the kids as he joined them for a quick soccer game.
" Thank you Mr Canary.." Stella said happily.
" It's nothing, I will be bringing more gifts." He promised.
After he smiled at Lisa and said. " I will leave now, Enjoy the rest of the evening."
" Thank you Canary." She said.