"I'm fine. I met my grandparents. Grandma El and Grandpa Ken. Also, Uncle Kevin and Aunt Sara-Jane. They live in a castle." She smiled at the people staring at her. "Daddy says it's not a castle, but it looks like one. You should see it mama."
"One day I will. You're really okay?"
"Yes. May I speak to Grams and Grandpa?"
"Of course. Let me take the phone to them. Have fun baby."
*****
The women stood just inside the room, staring in indulgent delight as the little girl flitted from one corner to the next. In just one day, Eloise had set the maids to work, rearranging things and ordering a princess four-poster bed with a gauzy pink material draping all around it.
"Do you like your room?" Kat asked as Zoe picked up a huge stuffed pink and white bear and hugged it to her chest.
"I love it." She exclaimed. "There are books."
"Your dad said you love to read. He loves to read as well."
"He told me."
"Are you tired honey?" Eloise could not stop looking at her.
"No. Daddy said I could tour the castle."
"Then that's what we'll do." Eloise reached out and the child came instantly, tucking her small hand in hers.
"We're so happy you're here." Sarah-Jane told her softly as they headed out of the room.
*****
"How does it feel?" Kevin asked quietly, handing his brother a glass of wine. The morning had slipped away into afternoon, with Zoe being entertained by members of the family. She had gone through the place with all three women and was delighted that her suite of rooms were right next to her daddy's.
Now she was settled in her grandmother's sitting room where they were coloring.
"Surreal." Cade admitted with a rueful smile as he sipped wine and eyed his brother. "What do you think of her?"
Kevin smiled whimsically, swirling the wine in the glass. They were in one of the small drawing rooms where a fire blazed cheerfully. "She's too beautiful to be real. You're going to have to beat the guys off with sticks when she turns thirteen."
Cade's glower had him laughing.
"I'm thinking more of a gun. Anyone touches her answers to me. Christ, when I think of the way I was with girls, I want to lock her up and throw away the key."
"I bet your perspective has changed."
"Drastically." He sipped wine thoughtfully. "Her mother looked so sad and beaten down when she left. She tried to hide it, but it was there." He shook his head. "I kissed her."
Kevin's head lifted sharply. "Zoe or the mother?"
"You know damn well, I meant the mother." He growled.
"Why the hell would you want to further complicate things?"
"Because it's already bloody complicated." He rose and started pacing restlessly. "I'm in love with her."
Kevin stared at him in surprise.
"I've never said that about another woman before and you know it."
"Yes. Did she kiss you back?"
