“Let me take her off your hands. She is falling asleep already.” Selina took Mary from Deena and settled her on the bed with a toy horse. “Have you come back for good? No more exile?” she asked expectantly.
Deena hesitated, sitting softly beside the child. “I’m... here now. Grandmother insisted.”
“But do you want to stay?” Dominic pressed. “Greystone’s your home. And always will be.”
Percy climbed up, wedging between them. “Stay forever! We can ride together. Papa says you used to beat him racing to the old oak.”
Deena smiled faintly. “Cheating helped. Your papa never noticed the shortcuts.”
Dominic chuckled. “You had that devil pony.”
Selina watched them lovingly. “And have you considered marriage? Grandmother’s Duke Hunt must be a whirlwind. Any gentlemen catching your eye?”
Heat crept up Deena’s neck. “No. I’m not looking for a husband.”
Dominic frowned. “Still?”
“I don't fit here anymore,” Deena said quietly, her voice thickening with emotion. “Theton’srules, the stares... Paris gave me independence, books, and my studies. But here, I’m just the scandalous sister again.”
Percy frowned. “What’s scandalous?”
“Nothing for little ears,” Selina said quickly, then chuckled softly. “Deena, I felt the same. I felt like an outsider. And your brother, who was titled the Stone Duke back then, was completely cold and unyielding.”
“Thank you, Selina,” Dom said dryly.
“Everyone in thetonwhispered that I’d never thaw him.”
Dominic pulled Selina close, kissing her temple. “You melted me in days.”
Selina leaned into him. “I wish it were days! But I was terrified. I didn't belong, and I thought I’d never have any of this.” She gestured to Percy and Mary. “A real family. And a love that feels... safe.”
Deena’s throat tightened. They were so perfect. Deena loved this transformation. But deep down, fear clawed. They made marriage seem nice, and Deena briefly wondered if she could have what they have.
Why couldn’t I? Why shouldn’t I?
“You truly changed everything,” Deena murmured. “It’s... beautiful.”
Selina squeezed her hand. “It can be yours too. The right man doesn’t care about fitting in. He makes the world fit you.”
Dominic nodded. “Whoever he is, he’ll be lucky. You’re fierce, Deena. And as stubborn as me.”
“Notthatstubborn,” Selina teased.
Percy yawned dramatically. “Can we go riding now? Please?”
“Pwease!” Mary echoed.
Deena smiled brightly. “After the Duke Hunt, I’ll trounce you all.”
Dominic grinned. “Challenge accepted.”
Selina gathered Mary. “We’ll see you on the lawn. Don’t let Grandmother pair you with anyone dreadful.”
As they filed out, Dominic lingered, hugging her once more. “I’m proud of you for coming back. I love you, Dee.”
“I love you too, Dom.” Despite the past, she deeply missed her brother, and she adored the man he had become when he met Selina.
He squeezed her hand, and the door clicked shut behind them. Deena sank onto the bed, exhaling shakily. To say she was overwhelmed didn’t cover it. The joy of their welcome clashed with guilt over her secrets. And their visits always left her aching and yearning for what they had.
