Chapter 69
Leah and I had managed to patch things up, her tearful apology and promise lingering in my mind. She’d sworn never to choose anyone else over me again, and I believed her, maybe because I wanted to believe her, maybe because she was the only piece of my past I had left
We’d barely exchanged a few words since making amends when Charlie and Daisy burst into the room, all energy and laughter. Charlie ran right up to me, tugging insistently on the edge of my shirt.
“Is the food ready!” he asked.
I couldn’t help but laugh as I bent down and kissed his cheek. “Yes, it is, sweetheart. Go sit down, and I’ll bring it out.”
Charlie let out a small cheer, racing off to the dining room with Daisy close behind him, I followed them, my heart lighter than it had felt in a long tinse. Aragon joined me in the kitchen, silently helping me set the table. For a man of his stature and power, it was almost comical watching him arrange silverware with such meticulous care.
“Thanks for the help,” I said quietly, glancing at him as I laid out the plates. He looked at me and gave a small, almost shy smile, as if he wasn’t used to being thanked for something so simple.
“Of course,” he replied.
Once the table was set. I placed the dishes of food in the center, and we all took our seats.
- ts. Charlie bounced in his chair, and I grinned at him.
“Alright, Charlie,” I said, “why don’t you say grace!”
He straightened up, looking almost serious as he clasped his hands
nds together. With his eyes squeezed shut, he muttered a quick, “Thank you for this
food. Amen.”
Everyone laughed, and we dug in. The atmosphere around the table was warm and full of easy laughter. It felt good, natural, as if this had been our routine for years rather than something we were plecing together and I realized I had missed this.
This was the missing piece my life had, I wanted a family,
Leah took a bite of the food, her eyes widening in pleasant surprise. “This is delicious,” she said, her gaze soft with genuine admiration. “You’ve really outdone yourself.”
“Absolutely,” Aragon chimed in. “I didn’t know you could cook like this.”
I felt my cheeks flush, and 1 ducked my head a bit, smiling despite myself. “Oh stop it, you two,” I mumbled, though their compliments filled me with a quiet happiness.
After a few bites. I looked across the table at Leah. “So, how’s Marcel doing?” I asked casually, keeping my tone light. I hadn’t seen or heard from him in a while, and it felt strange not knowing where we stood
To my surprise, it was Daisy who answered, her lule voice piping up with an unexpected maturity. “Daddy’s mad at you,” she announced, looking a
me with wide, innocent eyes.
I blinked, taken aback. I shot a questioning look at Leah, who suddenly seemed very interested in the edge of the table,
“Really?” I said. “Why would he be mad at me!”
Leah finally looked up, offering a small, apologetic smile. “Marcel.. well, he’s being blittle petty. He was upset that you left without saying
Loodbye.”
I nodded slowly, understanding more than I wanted to admit. “I.. I get it. I didn’t mean to hurt him, but if I’d stayed any longer, I don’t know ift would we had the Arength to leave.” I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. “I didn’t want anyone to convince me to stay.”
Leah’s gaze softened, and she nodded. “I know. And he knows it too, deep down. I think he’s just hurt because he missed you We all did.”
Aragon was quiet listening but not saying a word. I glanced at him, wondering what he thought of all this. We’d never really discussed my leaving, or my return for that matter. It was as if we were both tiptoeing around it, waiting for the other to bring it up.
1 left after he had confessed to me, that ought to have hurt me but I wouldn’t apologize because he did all kinds of things to hurt me ton,
Dy looked at her mom, then at me, frowning slightly. “You’re not leaving again, right Daddy said he missed you,” she asked, filled with a kind of innocent fear that tugged at my
I reached across the table, taking her tiny hand in mine. “No, Daby, I’m not going anywhere. I am done running “I gave her land a gentle squeeze. hepang shed feel the sincery in my words
me a smile, seemingly satisfied with my answer, and went back to her food. The rest of dinner passed in comfortable conversation, with
Charlie Curl and Daisy cluttering away between bites, and rals joining in with that familiar, easy warmth. Aragon stayed mostly quiet, but he didn’t
Leah arem out of place. He was simply present, and for once, that felt like enough
I would ask how bus talk with Charlie went. My boy is a good kid but sometimes he can be a little bit much. I am sure he gave Aragon such a tough
When we finished, I began pabering the dules, but Aragon stopped me, reaching out to take them from my hands. ©
thu,” und,
Thelp with this,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. I gave him a grateful rod, letting him take over as I sat back down, suddenly realizing how much I needed moment like these, moments that felt whole, complete
lingered by the door with Dairy, waiting while Charlie ran around, playing one last game before bed. She glanced at me, her expression aliude
Chapter 69
besitant.
“About Marcel” she started, trailing off as if searching for the right words.
her a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Leah. I know he’s upset, but he has every right to be. I should’ve said goodbye.”
She bit her lip, nodding. “Maybe, but I think he’ll come around. Just give him time.”
I nodded, appreciating her understanding. “I will. And Leah. I hesitated, glancing down for a second before meeting her gaze again. “Thank you. For being here, for being–you.”
A soft smile crossed her face, and she reached out, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “You don’t have to thank me. That’s what best friends are for.”
Aragon retumed from the kitchen, catching the end of our conversation. He raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing at his lips. “Are you two going to stand here all night?” he asked, his tone light,
Leah laughed, pulling Daisy closer. “Alright, we’ll leave you to get some rest.” She gave me one last, lingering look. “Take care, okay! And remember, you’re not alone. We’re here for you.”
I nodded, feeling the warmth of her words settle over me like a blanket, “I know. Thank you, Leah.”
