Rachel grinned at the light in Winnie’s eyes. She loved being around other readers and couldn’t wait to discover what types of books they enjoyed.
She took a deep breath and realized she could share her dreams with this group. The support tonight meant the world to her.
Chapter Eight
Rachel giggled at the antics on the couch. They’d just finished a wonderful lunch. Rachel had offered to take a turn cleaning up, but Regina had informed her that her first Sunday in Bluff Creek didn’t include dishes. Next week, Rachel could join the rotation.
Stone and Gunner were allowing Phoebe, Blake, and Chelle to paint their nails while they discussed the girls’ obsession with unicorns. Rachel was thrilled that Chelle had found two other girls as in love with unicorns as she was.
Chelle had Rachel read to her anything Rachel could find on the topic. When Rachel had heard that Phoebe was as obsessed with them as Chelle, Rachel had been thrilled. Stone had informed thegroup he was helping Phoebe illustrate the story she was writing about a unicorn.
“Gunner, do you think unicorns are special too?” Chelle asked.
Rachel adored that Chelle felt comfortable enough to share her favorite thing with Gunner.
“I do. Over the ages, they’ve been seen as strong, loyal, and chivalrous,” he said.
“What’s chival-tus?” she asked, sticking her tongue between her teeth.
“Chiv- ul -rus,” he sounded out for her. Chelle repeating it back to him was the cutest thing.
“It means being gallant, which is another word for courteous, especially toward women. It can also mean being brave in battle,” Gunner said.
“I like that,” Phoebe replied.
“Me too,” Chelle said.
“When I get older, I want a tattoo of a unicorn on my arm,” Blake said.
“Why the heck would you want one of that stupid make-believe animal on your arm?” Finn, who had just walked back into the room, muttered.
“You take that back! Unicorns are chiv- ul… cool!” Chelle yelled, tears starting to form in her eyes.
Stone stood up, lifting Chelle over to put her on Gunner’s lap. “You stay right here, and I’ll take care of the naysayer disparaging unicorns,” Stone said, bopping her on the nose, then walking toward Finn.
“Well, you stepped in it this time,” Stone said, shaking his head.
“War, we have something we need to discuss about Finn disparaging unicorns to Chelle, Blake, and Phoebe,” Stone yelled, the words echoing in the room as everyone quieted.
“It’s time for council anyway. We can discuss it first,” War said.
“Rachel, we thought we would discuss your situation in council. You may come in to listen if you like, or if you’d prefer not to go through it, then we can just jot down any questions we have,” War said.
“I think I’ll wait for your questions,” Rachel said.
Gunner walked over, carrying Chelle. “If you’re good, I’ll go to council. I’d love to take a walk with you afterward. Bear and Winnie are having afternoon fun for the kids until five p.m.”
“Sounds good,” she said, starting to take Chelle from his arms, but Chelle shook her head.
“I’m fine. I just like when Gunner carries me,” Chelle said, hugging Rachel quickly before running back over by Blake and Phoebe.
Gunner sat down by Stone at the table, waiting for War to call them to order. Yeah, so he was being a little bit of a dick, glaring at Finn, but there was no need for Finn’s outburst when the kids were there.
Gunner didn’t give a flying fuck if Finn said crap about unicorns. What he did care about was an adult putting down a child’s ideas. Children needed to be able to dream without constraints.Finn’s thoughtless, sarcastic words sent a message that Gunner didn’t agree with.
War banged a gavel on the table. “Order!”
Everyone quieted. Gunner wondered which issue War would have them dealing with first.
