Page 77 of Unspoken Hearts
“Dear, you aren’t going to change my mind, no matter how hard you fight me on this. We love having you here, and when you are outside helping, the boys sure appreciate it.” She gives me a small wink.
I take the hint and slip on my boots to go outside. Aspen’s little feet pound on the stairs. “Gran. It’s chicken time!”
“Oh, well, aren’t you just on time.” Hazel kisses her cheek before looking at me. “Macie was just about to go out. Why don’t you help her while I start on breakfast?”
“Okay!” Aspen squeals, rushing over to me and jumping on the stool. She pulls on her tiny pink gumboots, smiling up at me with her missing teeth.
I grin back. She is so bright for a little girl. “I think Penny will be excited to see you.”
“And you,” Aspen squeaks, pushing open the back door.
I hear Hazel yelling for us to be careful before it shuts.
Aspen’s little hand holds onto mine as we walk over to the pen where the hens are contained overnight. She runs up to the gate, standing on her toes to unlatch the lock when I come over to help. Rushing in, Aspen says good morning to every single bird by name before grabbing the feed and sprinkling it all over the ground. She giggles loudly as they start pecking at their breakfast.
I watch on with a grin, seeing how much joy this little girl has. I spot Reid watching us from the barn opening, and give him a small wave. I see the hint of amusement in his dazzling light eyes before Cole appears at his side.
Spotting me, Cole smirks, winking towards me. Reid scowls, pushing him back inside.
A laugh escapes me.
Aspen walks up to me, tapping my leg. “Why are you laughing?”
I crouch down and smile. “Just your uncle’s being silly.”
“Dad says they’re silly,” she says, making me snort.
“That’s exactly what your dad would say,” I murmur and stand again. “Should we go see the ducks before breakfast?”
“Ducks!” She’s out of the pen a second later. I follow her down to the Ashwood Creek that runs along the side of the property. Ducks float in the water, basking in the morning light. Aspen giggles. “Look!”
“Yeah. There’s a few today.”
“Dolly came from here.”
I look down at Aspen, who watches the animals float around lazily. “She did, and I’m sure she will be back soon. I think you’re taking good care of her. She’s so strong and—”
“Aunt Macie,” Aspen murmurs, peering up at me with her large chocolate eyes and long lashes. “Why are you here?”
The question stumps me a little. I don’t think she’d know anything about my family, or my situation, and I feel like it’s something I shouldn’t tell a little girl who is still so innocent and happy, but it doesn’t stop the knotting feeling.
“Do you not want me here?” I ask.
She bites her bottom lip. “I like you. So does Gran!”
My lips pull into a big grin at her honesty. “I love your gran, too. She’s pretty cool.”
“Her food is yum.”
“Yes, it is.”
She looks up at me and smiles cheekily. “Are you here forever?” She takes my hand again.
My mouth presses together firmly, not because I hate the question, but because I never thought I would have to answer it.
“No, I don’t think so.” Her mouth pouts, and I chuckle. “You won’t either, sweetie. You’ll grow up and make a life of your own—”
“But Dad needs me.” Wide, round eyes blink up into mine.
