Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
"I always wanted siblings." Aurora pushes around the last few bites of chicken on her plate. Damn, I don't know how to respond to that. "Uncle Kellan doesn't want kids."
"I never said that," Kellan tells her, and Aurora gives him a very pointed look. One I would not dare to do myself.
"Before me, did you want kids?"
He pauses like he’s getting his words in order before he answers her. "Before you, I had no plans for children." A stoic expression takes over his face. "But people say they don’t want something and change their minds. I didn’t predict having a child, and now that I do, I wouldn’t know how to live without you.”
Aurora seems pleased by this answer. Kellan might be cold and rigid, but he didn't have to take in his niece. With his wealth, he could have shipped her off to a boarding school. He cares, and his actions show it. People will tell you who they are, even if they don’t say the words out loud.
"Do you want kids?" Aurora asks me.
"I love kids. I think being the baby of the family, I still feel like a kid at heart."
"So you do?"
"One day," I tell her, and Aurora's eyes widen as if a thought has occurred to her.
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
“No.” Kellan snaps the answer before I can. There’s a beat of silence, and he clears his throat, softening his tone. “Have you had enough to eat?”
“Yes,” I say, and he nods.
“Aurora, why don't you head upstairs and start getting ready for bed.”
“I’ll help.” I go to stand with Aurora, but Kellan's hand comes down on my forearm, stilling my motion.
“We’ll be up shortly,” he tells Aurora, and her eyes bounce between us.
“Are you two going to talk about adult things?”
“Yes,” he tells her. I melt a little when he relaxes his expression and gives her a soft smile. I like that he tries to put her at ease. “Take your plate to the kitchen and then you can steal a brownie on your way up. Carl thinks he hid them, but they’re behind the flour in the pantry.”
“Score,” Aurora says as she grabs her plate and bolts from the room.
“Nova,” Kellan says.
“We should talk,” I say, cutting him off. It’s probably a bad idea, but Aurora has left the room, and Kellan’s whole demeanor changes when she’s not around. “I was thinking about Aurora's room. It might need to be updated. I think letting her decorate it would make it feel more like hers.”
“Have at it,” he responds instantly. It’s too bad I can’t distract this man when he’s intent on something. “Now let’s talk about your tardiness.”
"I'm sorry, sir," I whisper.
"Are you?" I nod, but wonder if I really am. "I think we should find out just how sorry you truly are."
I swallow hard as his dark eyes look me up and down.
Chapter Eight
KELLAN
Seeing Nova talk to Aurora all through dinner knocked something loose in my chest. I’ve been talking to my niece, but there’s been something missing in our communication. It’s the way Nova lights up with excitement at everything Aurora says and the way she listens intently. I watched and tried to take mental notes because I want to have a good relationship with her.
When she asked me about wanting kids, I was honest in my answer. My brother and I had a shitty time growing up, and I never wanted to risk putting children in the same position. Maybe it’s the reason I worked so hard to build something, because I didn’t want anyone I cared about to end up homeless and alone. It could also be why I kept everyone at arm’s length.
The night I got the call about my brother and I discovered he had a child, part of me was so angry at him for dying because he left Aurora alone. Her mother died giving birth, so he was all she had left. But the longer I sat with my anger, the more I was able to understand that what I was really feeling was grief. I lost a brother I didn’t really know, but he gave me a gift in his passing. Now as Aurora’s guardian, I have the chance to do things differently.
Tonight I got a glimpse of what I want my future to look like and how I can be the parent Aurora needs. This plan includes Nova, so now all I have to do is make sure she stays. Forever.
“Come kneel in front of me,” I say to her as I slide my chair back from the table. Her eyes widen in surprise, but she gets up from her seat. “You’re going to apologize with your mouth.”
Her expression changes to confusion as she kneels between my legs and looks up at me through her lashes. “But I already said I was sorry.”