I was on the other couch set at an angle, but I still had access to the coffee table. I lifted my feet and rested them on the surface.
Kirion watched me. His eyes were soft but he still had a wary look whenever he glanced my way. I didn’t blame him. Dad had bought him for me and I’d treated him horribly.
I opened my mouth. Tried to speak. It was embarrassing when nothing came out.
Kirion broke the silence. “You don’t have to say anything to me.”
I cleared my throat. “I do. I want to apologize for how I treated you when we first met.”
Kirion sipped his tea, still looking at me. He took the cup away from his mouth and said, “Thank you.”
We didn’t speak for another few seconds. Then I said, “You came without warning. I saw you as an intruder. I was wrong to take it out on you like I did.”
“He didn’t buy me for himself,” Kirion said.
“I know. It made me angrier.”
“I was a scared little thing.” He took another sip of his tea. “I thought Tane would send me back and I’d be sold to someone horrible. Tane was nice to me.”
“You didn’t deserve what I did. I’m glad he was nice to you. It’s great you two got together. And Remington is just lovely.”
Kirion smiled, most of the wariness gone now. “I’m glad you found Cassius and took him from that horrible place. I’m happy for you both.”
A minute later, Dad and Cassius returned, talking like they’d known each other for years.
Another new feeling filled up my chest. I wasn’t sure what it was. I was still learning. But maybe it was pride. Not for myself but for both of them.
When Cassius and I went upstairs to bed, I saw my old bedroom fresh and made up for me. But the adjoining game room was no longer there. It had been remodeled into an elaborate nursery and bedroom for Remington.
“That was my old game room,” I said to Cassius.
“Are you surprised it’s gone?”
“No. Remington deserves a big room like that.”
We went into the bedroom, shut the door and began to undress. As we got into bed, I said, “I’ll tell you what I am surprised about.”
Cassius came into my arms, pressing against me. “What?”
“That Dad kept this room for me. It’s still the same. What I didn’t take with me when I left is still here. The dresser. Thatchair by the window. And this bedspread. I thought I took it. Maybe he bought a new one just like it.”
“He kept it like this for you.”
“I didn’t expect it.”
“It’s a pretty strong message, don’t you think?” Cassius asked.
“A year ago, I wouldn’t have been able to see it. I do now.”
Cassius nuzzled the side of my face, then kissed me on the corner of my mouth. “Have I told you recently how much I love you?”
I scrunched up my face at him. “Yes. Just yesterday.”
“Well, I’m going to tell it to you every day.”
Did I deserve this beautiful man? Probably not. But he was mine. And I kissed him right on the mouth to prove it.
EPILOGUE
