“Maya,” I gently call her name, “What is it?”
Before Maya can answer, Harper comes bounding into the room, a grin on her face and an armful of stuffed animals which she drops in front of the fire.
“Ethan is awake,” She states, “We are going to have a tea party.”
“Go on,” Maya smiles but it’s strained, “I’ll be fine. They’ll be home soon.”
“Okay,” I breathe. Ethan had been napping when Maya called this morning and I’d come right over. He’d remained asleep so I’d made use of Harper’s bed and left him there to sleep but I can hear him now, babbling away to himself. It hasn’t been easy, as a baby he had some illnesses and was diagnosed with Asthma but in himself, he’s always been happy. Smiling and giggling withthese adorable little dimples and eyes that match mine. But in everything else, he looks like his father.
“Hi sweet boy,” I coo as I lift him from the bed, settling him on my hip. His hand instantly goes for my hair, his chubby little fingers curling the strands around them. I’d taken to putting it up as much as I can since he likes to pull. Who knew kids could have enough strength to make it feel like they’re ripping it out?
“Mama,” He babbles happily as I walk towards the stairs.
“Daddy!” Harper’s shrill, delighted squeal echoes through the house and I release a breath. Maya’s nervous energy had rubbed on me some and I had been thinking the worse.
I hear the quick running steps of Harper as she bolts for the door, followed by more determined steps from Maya and I join them at the door a moment later.
“They’re home,” I say to Maya who blows out a breath, tears glistening in her eyes. “What happened?”
But she just shakes her head, “They’re all back,” She says it as if reassuring herself. They leave to head to the docks where I guess they’re coming, and I take a moment to grab a jacket for me and Ethan. It’s freezing and he’s only just gotten over a cold.
“Let’s go say hi,” I baby talk which earns me a cute little smile. Glancing out the window to make sure they’re all there, I freeze when I see the third man on the boat.
Long hair pulled up into a messy bun, broad shoulders, tall frame full of rolling muscle. He’s dressed in a long black overcoat and a beard grows over the bottom half of his face. He looks different and all the same.
“Kolten,” I whisper.
Why is he here!?
My heart begins to gallop inside my chest, a sweat breaking out on the back of my neck and my stomach flops with unease and dread. He shouldn’t be here! I’d convinced myself I’d never see him again, that he’d never come back.
He said he’d never be back.
But there he is, standing at the docks with his two brothers, Arryn and Maya and another girl that looks so much like Arryn, I presume they’re sisters.
He shakes Maya’s hand fondly and his mouth moves as he speaks, but they’re much too far away for me to be able to read the words, and now they’re walking this way.
Oh shit.
I back away from the door, swinging my gaze left and right and spot the back door. I can’t face him, not holding Ethan now, not yet.
I bolt, running as fast as I can while holding Ethan firmly to not bounce him around too much and I run all the way to Ruthie’s, throwing the door open before I slam it closed behind me.
“Geez, Ness,” Ruthie tuts, “You being chased by somethin’?”
I shake my head, the burn of tears stinging my eyes.
“What’s wrong?” She immediately asks, “What happened? Is Torin okay?”
My mouth opens and closes like a fish, the words stuck behind the giant lump in my throat. Ethan wiggles restlessly on my hip, picking up on my energy and wanting away.
Ruthie takes him gently, “Talk, Ness. What happened?”
“He’s back,” The words are a whisper from my lips.
“Who?”
“Kolten.”
