I watch Kiera watching Skyler, and I’m struck by the softness in her expression. All those walls she keeps so carefully maintained, all that defensive sarcasm and guarded distance—it’s completely gone when she looks at her niece. Her blue eyes are gentle, full of affection and patience and something that looks a lot like love.
She reaches over and tucks a strand of Skyler’s hair behind her ear, the gesture so tender it makes my throat tight. “There you go. Much better.”
And that’s when it hits me.
This is why I started falling for Kiera back at Levi’s wedding. Not just because she was beautiful or quick-witted or talented. But because I caught glimpses of moments when her armor cracked just enough for me to see the softness underneath. The way she laughed at something Micah said. The way she helped Kiki without being asked. The genuine warmth that broke through her defenses when she thought no one was watching.
Kiera likes to pretend she’s all sharp edges and sarcasm, that she doesn’t need anyone, that she’s fine on her own. But she’s not. She’s got this soft center that she protects fiercely, and when she lets it show—when she looks at Skyler like she’s the sweetest thing in the world—it’s devastating.
I take a bite of the chicken, and it’s as delicious as I knew it would be. The skin is perfectly crispy, seasoned with herbs and garlic, and the meat underneath is juicy and tender. The roasted potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, soft inside, with just the right amount of rosemary.
“This is delicious,” I say, keeping my tone casual. I’ve learned that Kiera deflects compliments, especially elaborate ones. She gets uncomfortable, starts making excuses about how it’s just basic cooking or nothing special. So I keep it simple. Honest, but not overwhelming.
She glances at me, and I catch a flash of pleasure in her expression before she looks back at her plate. “Thanks.”
Skyler finishes her last bite and immediately bounces in her chair. “Can I go play now? Please?”
“Yes, but—” Kiera holds up a finger. “Take your plate to the sink first.”
“Okay!” Skyler grabs her plate with both hands and carefully carries it to the kitchen. I hear the clink of ceramic against the sink, and then she’s racing back through the dining room. “Thank you for dinner!”
“You’re welcome, Little Pup,” Kiera calls after her.
Skyler disappears into the living room, and I hear the sounds of Barbie-related chaos resume. Plastic accessories clattering, Skyler’s voice providing dialogue for multiple dolls at once.
Kiera and I finish our meals in comfortable silence. I catch her sneaking glances at me a few times, like she’s trying to figure something out but doesn’t want to ask directly.
“I’ll handle the dishes,” I say, standing and reaching for her plate.
“River, you don’t have to---”
“I know.” I take her plate anyway, stacking it on top of mine. “My house. I want to do the dishes tonight. That’s the deal, remember?”
She opens her mouth like she wants to argue, then closes it. “Fine. I’ll go make sure Skyler isn’t destroying your living room.”
“She can destroy whatever she wants. It’s just a house.”
Kiera shakes her head, but she’s smiling as she heads toward the living room. I carry the dishes to the kitchen and start loading the dishwasher, listening to the sounds of Skyler’s enthusiastic play and Kiera’s occasional interjections.
When I finish and wipe down the counters, I head to the living room and stop in the doorway.
Kiera is sprawled on the floor surrounded by Barbies and their various accessories. Skyler is directing an elaborate scene involving what appears to be a wedding between Princess Glitter and Ken, with several other dolls serving as bridesmaids and guests.
“And then Elsa says, ‘Congratulations, Princess Glitter!’” Skyler holds up a blonde doll, making her wave at the bride. “And Anna says, ‘You look so pretty!’”
“What does Princess Glitter say?” Kiera prompts, picking up the bride.
Skyler pauses, thinking hard. “She says, ‘Thank you for coming to my wedding! Now let’s have cake!’”
“Excellent plan,” Kiera says seriously. “Cake is the most important part of any wedding.”
I cross to them and lower myself to the floor, sitting beside Kiera. She glances at me, surprise flickering across her face.
“What?” I reach for the Ken doll. “I can’t let you two have all the fun.”
Skyler’s eyes light up. “River! You’re here! Ken has to say his vows now.”
“His vows?” I hold up the plastic doll, studying his permanent smile. “I’m not sure I know what Ken would say.”
