Page 54 of Shadowing Bright
Keel smiled.“I found a family with Frostfire, and falling in love came a distant second.”
She wiped her cheeks.“Thanks for that.”
Keel sat back and stroked her hair.“Of course, I thought he was a huge pain in the ass who couldn’t calculate his way out of a linen closet.”
“And I thought he was a nagging little nerd who didn’t have any vision, but we managed to cooperate.This place was five years old before we got married.”
Amy sniffled a bit.“When was that?”
“Twenty years ago.”Normic smiled.“Twenty joyful years ago.”
“How long have you been clan head?”
“Five years.”
“Oh.Nice.This place is lovely, by the way.The ambience is so soothing.”
Keel chuckled.“As long as you run cold.We keep cloaks at the front desk for humans or folks who need it warmer.”
“Sensible and increases your customer base.”She glanced over at Emmers, and he looked like someone had smacked him.“What’s wrong?”
Grandma smiled.“He’s upset he can’t comfort you.”
“Oh.”
Keel chuckled.“Don’t worry.I think he will find the opportunity to give it a try.”
Normic smiled.“Now, I know that partings are awkward, daughter, but when you leave, just tell Amani that your fathers have taken care of the bill.I have always wanted to do that.”
Keel snorted.“I will go let her know.Don’t worry.Not a prank.”He kissed her cheek and gathered the paperwork.He got up and headed to the front of the house.
Normic smiled.“Keel is so excited for this.Please put up with his frequent texts and requests to go to dinner or lunch.The XIA headquarters is only eight minutes away in a cab.Less if we send our car.You get an hour for lunch?”
“Yes.”
“Good.We have a lunch menu that is fast.”Normic smiled.“I would love your thoughts.”
“I just eat what’s in front of me.”
“Refining your palate will be on our list of things to do.Do you cook?”
“Bake.”
Emmers smiled.“She makes seriously good cookies.”
“I look forward to trying some one day.For now, I will wish you good night with the lady of Frostclaw acting as chaperone.”He got up, and she rose to get the hug.“You have a clan now, so feel free to relax and enjoy yourself.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Do you think you will be able to call me Dad?”
“Perhaps at our second meeting.”She smiled wryly.
He tapped her nose.“Good catch, little fox.We are going to have an event at our home to introduce you to the highest-ranking members of our clan.What are you doing this weekend?”
“Um.Joyously meeting my new clan?”
He laughed.“That’s the spirit.Emmers, are you free?”
