I place my hand on my hip. “Where’s the fun in that? Mercs, you don’t know women at all.”
He leans in and kisses my temple. Kiera watches us with a glowing smile that makes my chest swell.
“Well…” Gran says with a gentle clap of her hands. “You two should get settled. Let Kiera rest before dinner.”
Mercs nods, but Kiera pouts. “I’m fine, Gran.”
“You nearly fell over, Kiera,” Mercs says softly. “We’ve got two full days. Please, rest now and hang with us later.”
She nods, though her lips are tight.
I gnaw on my bottom lip. I want to say something, but this isn’t my place. Not yet. They know Kiera’s limits better than I do.
Gran pats my shoulder. “C’mon, let’s get you two settled.”
We head back to the stairs. Mercs grabs our bags, and we follow Gran up to a bedroom that looks like it probably belonged to him back in the day.
“It’s so good to have you home, Kaden. And Effa, we’re thrilled you’re here. But Kiera’s over-excited, and we need to make sure she doesn’t push herself too hard while you’re here.”
I straighten, nodding as Mercs does the same. “I thought she might get a little… over the top.”
“I promise I won’t ask too much of her,” I say earnestly.
Gran gives me a knowing smile. “I know, sweetheart. We have to watch her. She’s still learning her limits.”
A lump rises in my throat.
I hate that she’s so sick.
I hate that there’s nothing I can do.
“I’ll stay close to home with her,” I say softly. “That way, she doesn’t need to go anywhere or use up her energy. We can simply chill here.”
Gran nods, her expression grateful. “That sounds perfect.”
Gran leans in and gently takes my hand in hers. “I love that you’re so caring, Effa. We have a little day planned tomorrow, and I know Kiera won’t want to miss it, but we need to go slow with her. Let her set the pace. That’s all. I hate to put a dampener on things—”
“Oh no, I completely understand. I’ll look out for her. I promise.”
Mercs wraps his arm around my shoulders, tugging me close. That simple touch, his warmth, his steadiness, is exactly what I need right now. My heart aches that his family is going through this, but I’m glad I’m here, even if it’s just to bring a little light to Kiera’s day.
“We’ll watch her, Gran. Don’t worry,” Mercs assures her.
“I know you will, sweetheart.” She smiles softly. “But enough of that. You two get settled in… dinner will be ready soon. I’m just so happy you’re here. I know we’re going to have a wonderful time.”
Beaming, I pull free from Mercs and step forward to hug her. “I’m so happy to be here.”
She squeezes me tight before stepping back with a warm smile, then turns and closes the door behind her, leaving us alone.
I turn back to Mercs, exhaling slowly. “Do you really think us being here will be okay for Kiera?”
He grins, all confidence and certainty. “I thinkyoubeing here isexactlywhat she needs.”
My chest swells with emotion. I step into him, sliding my arms around his neck and pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
When I pull back, I smile wide. “I’ve got a good feeling about this trip.”
His gaze holds mine, warm and steady. “Me too, Effa. Me too.”
