Page 43 of Wolves & Watercolors
Marigold comes around the side of the bed and grabs my arm. “I think it’s time we go wait with everyone else.” She pushes me toward the door, but I plant my feet.
Through her lashes, I can see Hazel’s eyes clearly glowing. As she grits her teeth, they look sharper. There’s an animalisticglint to her that triggers fear deep within me. But she’s my sister, and clearly I’m hallucinating.
“Get her out of here,” Sable instructs.
Marigold pulls me toward the door when a crash startles both of us. One of the ceramic pots from the window lies shattered on the wood floor. The vine sprawls out of the shards, reaching up the wall and across the floor.
“What the?” Marigold asks, frowning at the pot.
“Now,” Sable snaps, the authority in her tone finally getting my feet to move.
With Marigold at my elbow, we trail down the stairs. She clears her throat. “Hazel needs some privacy now but I’m going to go clean up that plant really quickly.” She jogs back up the stairs, leaving me facing Jasper and Heath.
“How is she doing?” Jasper asks.
Heath rises and rubs a hand between my shoulder blades. The shock of Hazel’s eyes has started to numb. I must have imagined it or the lighting in that room was stranger than I realized.
“I think it’s going well, but she’s definitely in a lot of pain. It’s got to be getting close.” Numbly, I plop onto the sofa beside Jasper. Heath sits in the chair beside us.
No one speaks. Marigold comes down with a trash bag tied up and takes it out back. Then she settles on Jasper’s other side and holds his hand.
The light through the window fades and Heath walks around, turning on a handful of lights so we aren’t sitting in the dark. After what feels like an age, Sable appears at the top of the stairs.
“Baby is here, but she isn’t up for a lot of visitors. One or two at a time and keep it brief.”
Marigold catches my eye and smiles. “Aurora, why don’t you head up first. And no spoilers.”
“Thanks,” I say, moving toward the stairs. My legs protest each step after resting on the sofa for so long. A gurgling cry comes from the master bedroom, but it’s shushed quickly.
A pile of dirty linens sits right outside the door. Stepping past, I take in the dark room with Hazel curled in the bed. A tiny baby lays against her chest and Slate frames her with his arms. Sable bustles around, tidying up.
“Hey, ready to meet your niece?” Hazel asks, sounding exhausted but unbelievably happy.
I stop by her side and peer down at the little bundle. “It’s a girl?”
“Yeah. Meet Timber Sage.”
“Hi, baby,” I squeak, my voice barely catching.
“Wash your hands before you touch the baby,” Sable interjects.
Sighing, I peel myself away and head into the bathroom to scrub at my hands until they feel raw. I’m not taking any chances with my new niece.
Hazel readjusts her hold and Timber lets out a small cry. My stomach clenches. “Hey, sweet baby girl,” I croon, running my knuckles over the dark downy hair covering her head. She follows my touch, her mouth opening and tongue sticking out. “She’s so cute.”
“It’s time to try feeding again,” Sable says.
“I’ll give you your privacy,” I murmur, moving toward the door.
“Thanks for being here, Rory.” Hazel’s puffy eyes are full of contentment.
“Congratulations.” I’ve never been so proud of my sister. She’s a mom. There’s no doubt in my mind she’s going to be amazing at it.
Marigold and Jasper stand when I reach the bottom of the stairs.
“She’s breastfeeding right now. You might want to wait a few minutes,” I warn. “But I’m going to head home. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
Heath frowns at me. “It’s dark. Wait a few minutes for me to meet the baby and then we can walk home together.”
