Page 100 of We Three Kings
Somehow this family welcomes me without any hesitation like I belong here, even if our situation is unconventional.
“Don’t worry.” He shoves in a rolled sugar snowflake with blue and silver sprinkles and winks. “The feeling is mutual.”
Joy engulfs me from his confirmation, and I find myself smiling as I work.
“So that’s ayes, you’ll come with me.”
“I’d love to.”
He woots like a maniac and pounds the cabinet with his palms as if he’s celebrating something really big. I laugh and go back to filling my canisters, ending up with four stacks of five containers. “I think I got carried away.”
Guilt aches in my chest. I know Gaspar said it was okay, but maybe not this much. The ingredients are expensive, and I didn’t ask how many he wanted. I don’t want him or Balthazar to be upset at me or—
Melchior’s fingers slide under my chin and lift my head, forcing me to look at him.
“Hey. Are you okay?”
Melchior
I know she’s not. All kinds of emotions flash across her face that are the exact opposite of happy. I have to eliminate whatever apprehension engulfs her and bring her back to the joy she experiences with her baking.
“Yes, but I…I made too many.”
Her gaze flits to the results of our afternoon fun, and I hate that she’s agonizing over nothing. “No such thing when it comes to cookies, baby girl.”
“I know but—”
“It’s fine. Do you think I’d let you get in trouble?”
No answer. We don’t know each other well enough for her to realize that I’ll protect her at any cost but shielding her from them is unnecessary. My brother and father don’t give a fuck about anything except making her want to stay here forever.Thatshe should know.
“All Balthazar and my dad want is for you to be happy.”
“I am.”
“Good.” I release my grip on her chin and tap her button nose. “Then all is well. You never have to worry.”
Some of the anxiety lining her face smooths. A little more convincing is all it will take for her to fully accept her place in this family.
“I guess I better start cleaning up.”
“I’ll wash, you dry.”
My offer cheers her completely, and she starts stacking cookie sheets. I turn on the hot water and flood the sink with detergent so bubbles foam up instantly. The antic makes her giggle, unlike Mary who would fuss at me.
Just like with the baking, we make a good team. I explain tonight’s event more to her while she wipes off the countertops. “The last time I fought this guy he claimed leg cramp and rolled out of the ring. I technically won but that’s bullshit. No one wants a forfeit. I want it to be real.”
The thought gets me antsy again and I need to move. I grab the spoons and shove them in the slots in the dishwasher for utensils. “I need Rude again.”
“Is that why you and he were… you know? He calms you down?”
Her focus remains super glued to the dishcloth in her hand circling the same spot over and over. Talk of blow jobs embarrasses her obviously. She still has a lot to get used to. “Yeah, it takes the edge off but it’s not as exhausting like fucking is.”
“Oh.”
Her breathless gasp confirms her realization of why I told him I’d take care of him tomorrow. Gratitude and celebration all in one.
She keeps her head down, absorbed in her cleaning until there’s not a dry inch of countertop. I love how cute and shy she is. “I’ve stuffed as much as I can into the dishwasher so now we really have to wash the rest.”