Page 40 of Unspoken Hearts
I smile, crouching on her other side. “I think Darla. I like her black colouring.”
She nods in agreement.
Taking Aspen’s tiny hand in mine, I lead her out of the pen. Hazel locks up the gate, allowing the birds the space to roam around the fenced off area.
Walking Aspen back over to the house, we reach it as the sun becomes bright, lighting up the property in streams of gold.
Hazel starts on breakfast as Aspen shows me Dolly, the duckling in the box. “Do you want to hold her?”
Smiling, I nod, holding out my hands. Aspen skillfully catches the fluffy yellow duckling, placing her in my hands, teeth biting her lip with anticipation.
“She’s cute,” I murmur as the duckling’s miniscule feet pad around my palms. It almost tickles. It’s so fuzzy, like its hairs have been zapped by electricity. “She’s lucky to have you as her mumma.”
Aspe blinks at me as I kneel beside her. “Uncle Gray said I can keep her,” she says giddily, stroking the ducking with her finger.
“And did your dad agree to that?”
She nods again. “Dad helps me feed her. Do you want to see?”
“Of course. We’ll have to wait until he’s back.”
Putting Dolly back in her cardboard box, I stand, letting out a breath, my shoulders heavy with fatigue. I didn’t end up falling asleep right after Reid dropped me at my room. The sparks that shot through me must have been full of adrenaline, because it took me ages to shut my eyes again.
I wonder if he too had trouble falling asleep or if it was just me.
“I need some coffee,” I mumble. Aspen peeps over the box, her hair braided into two plaits, little fingers gripping the cardboard. I grin at how intrigued she is. “Do you wanta drink, Aspen?”
Peering up at me, she nods silently. I huff out a laugh, amused. “You have to actually tell me what you want, kiddo.”
A giggle escapes her as she takes off running into the kitchen, and I trail after her.
“Gran, can I have a chocolate?” Her tone is sweet as sugar, one hand holding onto Hazel’s leg, who stands at the bench chopping up strawberries.
Hazel glances my way before looking down at her granddaughter. “Why don’t you ask Macie to make you a hot chocolate.”
Aspen blinks at me, and I grin. “I can definitely make you one.”
Aspen sits at the table playing with one of her sticker books as I grab the chocolate powder from the cupboard, and mix it with water while the kettle boils. I grab another few mugs, one for each of the boys, making their coffees as well as mine.
Making sure to keep Aspen’s warm to not burn her mouth, I put it on the dining table where she sits, eagerly waiting for her overly sugary drink. She giggles after tasting it.
Holden comes in, shoving off his boots and hanging his hat up on a hook. “You already got your hot chocolate?” he questions with a rare smile he only reserves for his daughter.
Aspen nods as Holden walks over, lifting the mug to take a sip.
She gasps loudly, “Dad, that’s mine!”
“And thank you for sharing, sweets,” he adds, putting it back down and kissing her brown braids.
Grayson walks in wearing a backward cap. He removes his flannel shirt and comes around the island, taking one of the coffees that’s ready. “Thanks, M. You can be our coffee girl. We’ve always needed a barista.”
“I’m still working on my skills,” I tell him as he sips.
He moans gently. “This is good, though.”
Grinning, Reid and Austin appear through the door.
Smile dropping a little, our eyes meet for a second before I blink away, busying myself again. Grabbing the honey jar, I add it to my coffee when I feel someone at my side. I don’t need to look to know it’s Reid. It’s as if his body’s energy mixes with mine, spiking my pulse and heating my blood without even touching me. A light scent of sandalwood and amber brushes over me, and I feel my insides melting a little like candle wax.
