Page 70 of The Fighter who Needed Me
Brooks had told her about Billy in the cottage once and she had always longed to meet the young boy they had found on the streets.
She loved his banter and knew that one day he was going to make a girl very happy.
Brooks pulled her from the room and walked down to the salon.
There were a few men boxing, but no one noticed her.
Brooks helped her into her pelisse and then out to the carriage that was waiting for them.
He pulled her into his side and held her close in the chill of the carriage until they pulled up in front of a charming house deep in the heart of Whitechapel.
He helped her from the carriage and up the stairs to the front door, and he walked inside the large door.
It was warm and comfortable in the house and a woman came from one of the back rooms and when she saw who stood in the small entryway, she let out a gasp and hurried forward.
“Brooks? Oh, is it truly you?” She said and he smiled, and dropped his arm from around her, and the older woman wrapped him in a hug.
“Mary, it is so good to see you. How have you fared?”
She pulled out of his embrace and wiped the wetness away from her eyes that had gathered there.
Persephone wiped her own eyes and could feel how loved Brooks was.
Mary cleared her throat, “We have been just fine here. The winter was hard, but Lily kept the children healthy and safe. And Burk made certain they all had new shoes and coats. How have you been? I have been worried about you. It wasn’t like you.”
Brooks gave a slight shake of his head, “I know. I have been chastised and feel horrible about my behavior. I promise though, I am fine now. I apologize for leaving you and the children the way I did.”
Mary shook her head, “I understand better than most. After my husband died, I struggled. Truly. It felt as if I died with him.”
Persephone bit her lip and felt for the woman. Mary turned to look at her, and then looked at Brooks, “Oh, this is her? Hello dear one. I have heard so many good things about you. I am so glad to see you at his side again.”
Persephone smiled softly and tried to hold back the tears, “Thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you. Brooks has told me so many wonderful things about you.”
Mary pulled her in for a hug, “You are beautiful, aren’t you?”
Persephone smiled, and Mary let her go and then huffed, “Come, I imagine you wish to see the children?”
She nodded and Brooks took her hand and kissed it and then led her up the stairs and to one of the rooms situated there.
It was rather large and had several stacked beds lining it.
It was warm and cozy, and the girls that were dancing and playing in the room were clean and healthy.
Their hair was brushed, and they wore nice clothes and Persephone knew this was because of Brooks, Burk, Eden and Lily and her family.
Along with Mary of course. That woman must have the patience of a saint.
She certainly seemed like one.
Just then a shriek sounded from one of the girls and they all turned and a young girl of about six years of age came running toward them.
“Brooks!!!! You are here! You came!”
Brooks dropped to his knees and the small girl threw herself into his strong arms.
The rest of the girls came up and all swarmed him, hugging him and kissing his cheeks.
Then a flurry of boys came in the room, and Persephone quickly stepped to the side and Brooks was laughing with all the kids surrounding him, his blue eyes dancing with joy.
