“We’re going to stay as long as we can,” Estelle said carefully. “I like it here, too.”
Adara seemed satisfied with that and returned to her fairy garden with renewed focus.
Estelle watched her for a moment, lost in thought. And goodness, this morning had given her a lot to think about.
Then she turned as she sensed Leo approaching. She didn’t know if she would ever get used to that.Knowinghe was there.
I like it,her dragon said.I like it a lot.
Me too,Estelle agreed. That was the problem. She was beginning to get used to it. And that made it dangerous.
Because she was letting her guard down. Becoming settled. Complacent.
Stop,her dragon said sharply.Enjoy the moment.
Estelle breathed out as she accepted the tea Leo offered her. “Thanks, you read my mind.”
It’s a good thing he can’t read all of it,her dragon said, most unhelpfully.
“So, how was it?” Leo asked as he sipped his tea.
“Breakfast?” she asked.
What else?her dragon said dryly.
“Yes. Was it too much?”
“No,” she replied. “It was just enough.”
He chuckled. “Are you being diplomatic? I know they can be a lot when they’re all together like that.”
“I think that made it easier,” she admitted. “I didn’t feel like I was under a microscope. And it helped that they all adored Adara.” She looked up at him. “They’re wonderful. I like them. Truly.”
“You do?” He looked so relieved she wanted to kiss him. She hadn’t realized how much this meant to him. How much he’d risked.
Because he’s still worried we’re going to run,her dragon said.That one day he’ll arrive at our door, and we’ll have cleared out.
I would never do that to him,Estelle said.
Estelle looked away, out at Adara in the grass.
She wanted to think she would never do that to him. Wanted to believe she was already past that.
But if it came down to protecting Adara, she did not know what she would choose.
And that frightened her more than anything.
As I said,her dragon began.It’s a good thing he can’t read your mind.
Chapter Sixteen – Leo
This is nice,Leo’s bear said.
It is,Leo replied, standing beside Estelle with his tea.
His family had been on their best behavior over breakfast. They had been welcoming but not too overpowering.
More importantly, Estelle liked them. And he could tell she wasn’t just saying that to make him happy.
