Bronwyn entered the Forest Bakery and Herb Shop and found Alaura waiting for him.
“Alaura. You’re still here.” He slid his hands onto his hips and stood straighter. But at his tallest, he still measured shorter than her. Maybe if she wore no shoes they’d be the same height. “I thought you’d have left by now.”
“I was talking with your mum and Finola.” She smiled and clasped her hands behind her back. “We made plans for two days from now. Isla and Liam wish to come to Moon Meadow for the entire day.”
“Will it be a problem?” He caught her scent, fresh from the forest, and couldn’t rein in his smile.
“It’s fine.” She tucked her loose hair behind her ears. “We’re going to have a picnic on the ridge.”
A picnic? He’d love to go. His mind mapped ways to get himself there.
The door to the back room opened, and Maisie Darrow and Isla entered the shop.
“Das!” Isla ran to Bronwyn and jumped into his arms. “You’re late.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed.
He hugged his daughter warmly. Since becoming a family, they had had their battles, but for the most part, they enjoyed life. Their routine made them both happy, and they had grown closer than he had imagined possible.
“Things must be busy at the castle,” said Maisie.
“Not really.” Bronwyn thought about his meeting with Captain Tibbins—his reasons for refusing the quest and staying in Maskil surrounded him.
The bell over the front door rang and his sisters, Rhiannon and Loran, entered.
While the girls said hello to Alaura, Maisie discreetly spoke to Bronwyn. “Why don’t you stay for the evening ration?”
“I’d love to, Mum.” He released Isla from his arms, and she went to his sisters.
Maisie pulled on his sleeve and whispered, “Ask Alaura if she wants to stay for the ration.”
“What?” He hadn’t heard her words, but when she repeated her request, which sounded more like an order, and pinched his arm, he jumped into action. “Alaura, would you like to stay for the evening ration?”
Alaura shook her head. “Thank you but I don’t wish to inconvenience your mum.”
“Nonsense. Stay. There’s plenty of food.” Maisie placed a hand on her son’s forearm. “I should have asked myself. Leave it to Bronwyn to think of you going home to your lonely room.”
He gave his mum a side-ways glance. What scheme motivated her?
“I shouldn’t,” said Alaura.
“Yes, you should,” said Loran and Rhiannon together.
“A fantastic material arrived at the shop today,” said Rhiannon. “I want to tell you all about it.”
“You can tell me about it tomorrow,” said Alaura. “Your mum already has plenty around the table.”
“One more never hurts.” Loran looped her arm around Alaura’s and guided her through the bakery.
“Rhiannon, flip the sign and lock the door,” said Maisie. She tossed a mischievous glance at Bronwyn then followed the girls upstairs.
“Look what Loran made.” Isla held up a dark blue vest with diamond embroidery. “It’s like yours.”
He held out the bottom of the jerkin for a better view. “Did you ask her to make this for you?”
Isla nodded. “I’m going to be like you and wear it everywhere.” She pulled on the new vest, fastened the three buttons and danced around the bakery.
Bronwyn watched his daughter, smiling at her happiness. He felt Rhiannon’s hand on his arm. She guided him towards the back room. “You should have changed your clothes at the castle,” she said. “You look and smell as if you’ve hung out in the stables all day.”
“I did.” He look at her. “It’s only a ration.”
“Men!” Rhiannon rolled her eyes. “Isla, come upstairs with me. You”—pointing a finger at her brother—“clean yourself up. We have a guest.”