Aria held Celine’s arm tightly. She didn’t want to let go. Being with Celine and Hannah made her feel safe and warm. She wasn’t ready to leave them. Leaving felt like losing the little happiness she had just started to feel.
“Oh, my poor Aria,” Celine’s voice, a playful lilt, tickled her ear. A gentle pinch on her cheek followed, “I wonder how you will manage to stay alone with this beast.”
A shy smile touched Aria’s lips. She turned to Harriet. Her mother-in-law’s arms enveloped her next, a soft, familiar scent of lavender and warmth.
“I want you to enjoy as much as you can,” Harriet murmured, her voice a comforting balm. “And if this arrogant man does something silly, just call me, okay?” Aria nodded, a small, earnest gesture, feeling like a little girl again, seeking reassurance.
A
