“Yes, please,” Dewi said.“But first a bathroom.”
Badger chuckled.“Closest is the powder room just off the living room.Hall on the right, first door on the left.”
“Thank you!”
Ken took the diaper bag from her as she hurried on ahead.
“Ye ready, Ken?”Badger asked.
He nodded.“Now, please?”
“Of course.Top floor, the largest rooms at the end of the east wing, on the right.Need me to show ye?”
“Nope.I’ve been here before.”Ken headed for the staircase, remembering the house’s layout, while Peyton took Carl and Mateo and led them away.
Hamish set off after Ken.When Badger started to follow, Ken said, “Maybe hang back to bring Dewi up?”
“Oh, aye.That’s right.She’s never been here.”
Ken fought the urge to run, even while carrying the baby.He unerringly made his way upstairs and down the hall.When he arrived at the open doorway, they were just standing up from where they’d been sitting on the couch.
Even if he hadn’t seen the pictures Peyton sent him, he’d recognize Bryn.She strongly resembled his mom—or his mom had strongly resembled her.
He’d started to set the baby’s carrier down, but Hamish took it from him.Then Ken nearly tackled Bryn, who’d already been hurrying toward him.
Speechless, except for his tears, he closed his eyes and held her, never wanting to let her go.She was about the same height as his mom, and while she didn’t look a fraction as old as he knew she was, he suspected his mother would’ve looked like she did now, had she lived.
Callum stood and slowly made his way over, joining their hug.Ken felt a slight tingle of Prime energy from Callum, but that wasn’t why Ken felt overwhelmed and emotional.
These were hisgrandparents, people he didn’t believe existed, didn’t even know existed, until just a couple of days ago.
“It’s okay, lad,” Callum hoarsely said.“We’re happy to meet you, too.”
Ken wordlessly sobbed against Bryn’s shoulder, holding her tightly with Callum’s large arms wrapping around both of them.
Ken was vaguely aware of Dewi and Badger finally entering the room, but Ken didn’t open his eyes or release Bryn.He didn’t want to move.
He’d lost too much in his life; he would damned sure take as much time as he wanted savoring this bittersweet moment.
When he finally released her and Callum ended their group embrace, Dewi was there pressing tissues into his hand.Badger now held the baby, who’d been taken out of her carrier at some point.
Ken laugh-sobbed.“Sorry I sort of hogged the moment, Hamish.I know you want to hug them, too.”
“Not at all,” Hamish said.“Yma o hyd,” he said to Bryn.
Bryn smiled.“Yes, we are still here.”She hugged him tightly.“Hello, you old corpse.”
Hamish laughed.“Goddess, I’ve missed you, sister.I’m so sorry I?—”
“No,” Callum said.“No apologies.You’re here, and according to Peyton and Trevor, they might not have found out what happened if it hadn’t been for you.”
Hamish blew out a breath, released Bryn, and then hugged Callum.“Where do we go from here?”Hamish asked.
“First, I want to meet Dewi and this adorable one,” Bryn said, smiling as she reached for Dewi.
Dewi, who was also crying, Ken was a little surprised to note, strongly hugged Bryn.“Welcome to the family,” she said.“When we get you guys to Florida, you’ll be living with us, at first.As long as you want or need to.”
“Thank you,” Callum said.Dewi released Bryn and hugged Callum.
