Page 273 of The Grand Duel

“Is that it?” Nina asks, and I feel her eyes settle on me.

I frown, smoothing my hand up Ave’s back.

“Charles,” Nina says softly.

I drop my head to look at her.

“You’ll make the most incredible father. This child would be lucky to have you as its dad, but regardless of what happens, you’re already the best man I know. And no matter what you’ve done, how much you’ve hurt Lissie and even yourself, I know without question that you’ve done it with the best intentions.”

I search her face, knowing she means every word.

Looking back up to the lights, I sigh and close my eyes.

Lissie

I stand in the doorway of the children’s bedroom, watching as Willow rifles through Ellis and Ave’s toys. Charlie wanted to have bunk beds built in their bedroom, four of them, making sure we have enough beds for all of the Lowells, Sullivans, and what we hope to one day be mini-Montgomerys. Ellis and Ave have only stayed over once since we moved in, and we ended up having a sleepover on the living room floor, not even using the beds.

Charlie said we’d make it a monthly routine for them, and it’s things like that which I can’t help but think about now. What he will tell Ellis. How will he explain to a three-year-old, who begs almost every time we see him to come sleep over, that he doesn’t live in his own home anymore?

I feel arms slip around my waist and smile, wrapping my sister in a hug. Her curls bunch at my chin, and I frown, breathing her in.

“She’s like a little hurricane.”

I chuckle. “She is,” I agree, watching my sweet niece play.

We stand in silence for a while, my body growing heavier the longer we remain in the hold.

“How are you feeling this morning?”

I shrug. “The same.”

She nods. “Better that I’m here, though.” She pulls away and studies my face. “You look tired, Lis. Are you sure you don’t want to take the day off? Charlie told me?—”

“We’re busy. I’m not leaving Edna to deal with it all alone.”

She leans against the opposite side of the door. “The house is beautiful. You guys did an incredible job with it.”

I nod, the sting in my chest as fresh and as sharp as the morning I woke up and read his letter. “Will you be okay here? I’ll get everything I need to work from home for a couple of days after today.”

“We’ll be fine. I have some things to do in the city if you could take us in with you.”

Mum and Dad.

I know it’s what she really means.

“Of course I can.”

She smiles, watching me. “I’ll cook tonight. I feel like we have a mountain of things to catch up on.”

I lean forward and kiss her head. “Okay.”

I walk into the room, sitting down with Willow.

“Hi,” I say playfully, nudging her shoulder.

“Hi!” she sings, getting up onto her knees. She has a princess crown on her head, her mousey curls unruly from sleep. “Would you like to play with me?”

“What are you playing?”