“Is this right?” Adara asked, holding up a bundle of basil.
“Perfect,” Leo assured her. “You have an excellent eye for display.”
He’s good with her,her dragon said softly.
Better than good,Estelle replied.He’s a natural.
She could not have picked a better replacement father for Adara if she’d tried.
As they worked, more vendors arrived, setting up stalls around them. A woman selling handmade soap waved to Leo. A man with a bakery stand nodded as he passed. Leo greeted eachone by name, introducing Estelle and Adara as though they were a part of his life.
We are,her dragon reminded her.
The market gradually came to life around them. The scent of fresh coffee and baking bread drifted over from nearby stalls. Somewhere, someone was playing guitar, the notes threading lazily through the morning air.
“All set,” Leo announced as they arranged the last of the produce. He smiled at Adara. “Thanks to my excellent assistant.”
Adara glowed with pride. “Can I help sell things too?”
“Absolutely,” Leo said. “You can be my official greeter.”
The first customers began to arrive, a trickle at first, then steadier. Estelle tensed, bracing herself for the press of bodies, the eyes that might linger too long, the questions about where they’d come from or how long they’d been in town.
But it wasn’t like that at all.
People nodded hello. They asked about Leo’s tomatoes. They smiled at Adara when she solemnly informed them that the basil was “extra special today.” No one pried.
It’s just... normal,her dragon said, sounding almost dazed.
An hour passed. Then another. Estelle found herself relaxing enough to help customers, to answer simple questions about the produce. The rhythm of the market, selecting, weighing, exchanging money, became almost soothing.
“You’re a natural,” Leo said quietly during a lull, his shoulder brushing hers.
Estelle’s cheeks flushed pink. “I’m just following your lead.”
“You’re doing more than that.” His eyes held hers. “Come on, admit it. It’s fun.”
“Yeah,” she said with a shrug. “I guess it is.”
The realization caught her off guard. When had that happened? When had she finally let go and embraced the moment?
“Mama, can we go and look for something for the fairies?” Adara tugged at her sleeve. “Please?”
Estelle hesitated, glancing at Leo.
“Go ahead,” he said. “I’ve got things covered here.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. Take your time.”
Taking Adara’s hand, Estelle stepped away from the shelter of Leo’s stall and into the flow of the market. Her heart quickened, but not with panic. With nerves, yes. But something else too. Excitement. It was as if she were finally part of the world.
They wandered from stall to stall. Adara charmed everyone they met, introducing Fizz and asking earnest questions about everything from ribbons to polished stones to tiny carved animals that, in her opinion, would be “just right for fairies.”
By the time they returned to Leo’s stall, Adara was carrying a handful of velvet ribbons and a smooth green stone for the fairy garden.
“You look happy,” Leo observed as they approached.
