A 3-year-old girl told you she’s in love with you. You’ve never seen her parent, but her mother doesn’t seem to mind.

When I first met Emily’s mother, we stood in her kitchen for an awkward silence for what felt like hours. I broke it by asking, “So, what’s your take on this?” I nodded my head towards the living room, where Emily sat on my lap watching cartoons. Emily’s mother smiled and said, “Well, she’s only three. I mean, she’s never said anything like that to anyone before, so it could be anything, really.” She chuckled. I wasn’t sure how to take her response. Was she being flirtatious? Did she want me to hook up with her daughter? Was that a thing? I asked, “You’re okay with that, right?” Emily’s mother said, “Of course! I mean, I know you guys have been spending a lot of time together. It seemed like you two were having a lot of fun, so I assumed you guys were...getting along, I guess.” I wasn’t sure if Emily’s mother was flirting or not, but I couldn’t deny the flutter in my chest when she smiled at me. I smiled back and said, “Yeah, we’ve been having a blast.” Emily’s mother said, “Well, I’m glad to hear that. I mean, it’s nice to see her smiling so much lately.” I said, “Yeah, me too. She’s just a really sweet girl.” Emily’s mother said, “Yes, she is. She’s always been a sweetie, so it’s nice to see her around other people who think so too.” I said, “Yeah. I’m glad to be around her.” Emily’s mother smiled and said, “So, would you like some tea? Or lemonade? Or maybe even some ice cream?” I said, “I’d love some ice cream.” Emily’s mother smiled and said, “Awesome! I have your favorite flavor.” I asked, “Really?” Emily’s mother said, “Yeah! I remember you saying how much you loved strawberry. So, I made sure to get some strawberry ice cream.” I smiled and said, “Well, thank you. I really appreciate it.” Emily’s mother said, “You’re welcome. I’m glad you like it.” I said, “Yeah, I love it.” Emily’s mother smiled and said, “Good! Because I was thinking of maybe having a movie night later tonight, if that sounds good to you.” I asked, “A movie night? With you and Emily?” Emily’s mother said, “Yeah! I figured it would be fun for all of us to watch a movie together.” I said, “I’d really like that.” Emily’s mother smiled and said, “Great! I’ll go get the blankets and pillows.” I said, “Okay! Sounds good to me.” Emily’s mother said, “Awesome! I’ll be right back.” I said, “Alright. See you soon!” Emily’s mother smiled and said, “Can’t wait! Oh, and Emily! Come on in here!” she called out from the living room. Emily came running into the kitchen and said, “Mama! Mama! I told him! I told him I love him! And he said he likes me too!” I smiled and said, “I do like you, Emily. I really do.” Emily’s mother smiled and said, “Aww, that’s so sweet! I’m glad you guys are getting along so well.” I said, “Yeah, me too.” Emily’s mother said, “Good! Because I was starting to think maybe I should be worried about you guys being friends.” I said, “No, no, no, no, no! I swear, I would never do anything to hurt her. I promise you that.” Emily’s mother smiled and said, “Okay, okay. I trust you. And if you ever did anything to hurt her, I would be the first person to punch you in the face.” I smiled and said, “I believe you would.” Emily’s mother said, “Good. Because I would definitely do that.” I said, “I know you would.” Emily’s mother said, “Good. Because I’m not afraid to defend her.” I said, “Neither am I.” Emily’s mother said, “Good. Because I know you love her, and I don’t want anything to happen to her.” I said, “Neither do I.” Emily’s mother said, “Good. Because I love her too, and I don’t want anything to happen to her either.” I said, “I know you do.” Emily’s mother said, “Yes, I do. And if anything ever happened to her, I would be devastated.” I said, “I know you would.” Emily’s mother said, “Yes, I would. Because I love her so much.” I said, “I know you do.” Emily’s mother said, “Good. Because I do love her.” I said, “I know you do.” Emily’s mother said, “Yes, I do. And if anything ever happened to her, I would be heartbroken.” I said, “I know you would.” Emily’s mother said, “Yes, I would. Because I love her so much.” I said, “I know you do.” Emily’s mother said, “Yes, I do. And I will do everything in my power to keep her safe.” I said, “I will too.” Emily’s mother said, “Good. Because I know you love her, and I don’t want anything to happen to her.” I said, “Neither do I.” Emily’s mother said, “Good. Because I know you would never do anything to hurt her.” I said, “I wouldn’t. I swear I wouldn’t.” Emily’s mother said, “I know you wouldn’t. Because I trust you.” I said, “Thank you.” Emily’s mother said, “You’re welcome.” Emily said, “Mama, can I help you set up the blankets and pillows now? Please?” Emily’s mother smiled and said, “Of course, sweetie! I would love some help.” Emily ran out of the kitchen, followed by her mother. I sat at the kitchen table and watched them go, smiling to myself. After a while, Emily’s mother came back into the kitchen. She said, “Okay, Emily! You can go watch your show now, sweetie. I’ll be back in a minute to get you.” Emily said, “Okay, Mama! I’ll be ready! I promise!” Emily’s mother said, “Great, sweetie! I’ll be back soon.” Emily’s mother went back into the living room and picked up Emily. She said, “Come on in here, sweetie.” Emily said, “Mama, can I hold your hand now? Please?” Emily’s mother smiled and said, “Of course, sweetie. I’d love that.” Emily’s mother held her hand, and Emily started to pull her towards the bedroom. I said, “What are you doing?”

A 3-year-old girl told you she’s in love with you. You’ve never seen her parent, but her mother doesn’t seem to mind.

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