Upon arrival at Timothee's mansion, Dave was promptly tasked with preparing a cozy chamber for Fae Aurora. Timothee even instructed Dave to forbid some children from playing or plucking flowers, annoying pollen swirling around there.
"Mom? Who was that woman?" Sawyer, still wide awake, bombarded me with a pointed question.
"That was your grandmother," I whispered, scratching my own neck.
I struggled to explain how everything had unfolded to Sawyer and Asher, but their stares were too insistent to ignore any longer.
"We have a grandma too?" Asher chimed in eagerly, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Of course, sweetheart," I replied tenderly, my fingers caressing Asher's silky, gentle hair. "Would you like to meet Grandma tomorrow? I'm sure she'll be thrilled to meet her adorable twins grandchild. She may be a little weary from the long journey today, but I can guarantee her smile will shine as bright as the sun when she lays eyes on you."
The anticipation in Asher's voice was palpable as he exclaimed, "Oh, Mommy, I can't wait to meet Grandma! I want to see her eyes light up with joy and feel her warm embrace. Will she tell me stories about when Mommy was little? I hope she has a gentle, comforting voice that will make me feel safe and loved."
I smiled, overwhelmed by Asher's excitement, and whispered, "Yes, my darling. Grandma has a voice that carries the wisdom of a thousand tales. Her words will wrap around you like a cozy blanket, filling your heart with warmth and love. And as you listen to her stories, you'll feel a deep connection to our family's history, knowing that you are a part of a legacy spanning generations."
Sawyer's eyes widened with wonder, and he nestled closer to me, his small hand finding its way into mine. "Really, mom?"
"Sure."
My smile widened, and I gently caressed the rosy cheeks of my twin boys. Their skin felt warm and their eyes shimmered with pure delight, reminiscent of a morning sun that ignites the soul. In the midst of this heartwarming moment, I caught the sound of approaching footsteps. The sound grew clearer, signaling the presence of someone eager to share in this joy.
I turned my head and beheld the graceful figure of Timothee, his lips adorned with a warm smile. His gaze fixed upon us, brimming with love and admiration. Without uttering a single word, the warmth in the room seemed to intensify, painted with the echoes of our children's gleeful laughter and the tender gaze of my cherished spouse.
"Timothee," he said, his hands nonchalantly slipping into his pockets.
Amused, I couldn't help but rise from my seat, a smile playing at the corners of my lips. "Looks like they can hardly contain their excitement now that Mom's arrived."
"Thank the stars for that," Timothee replied, his shoulders shrugging in a casual manner.
I nibbled on my lower lip, my voice barely above a whisper. "Aren't you taking a moment to rest, Timothee?"
He scoffed, a hint of exasperation coloring his tone. "That question seems fitting for you, Barby. Are you really eager to test your resilience after being struck by the venomous sting of pollen?"
I raised an eyebrow, unsure of how to interpret his response. "I was simply concerned for your well-being."
"Concerned for my well-being?" Timothee repeated, his eyes narrowing. "You care about my health but ignore your own?"
Looking down, I realized that Timothee had a point.
"I wouldn't worry about you if you weren't hurt. Look at Asher and Sawyer. They really need you. " Timothee's words stung, and I felt a pang of guilt as I realized he was right.
My concern for others had caused me to neglect my own well-being.
As I glanced over at Asher and Sawyer, I knew that Timothee's reminder wasn't only about my physical health but also about the impact my actions had on those who relied on me.
Taking a deep breath, I mustered the courage to address Timothee's concern.
"You're right, Timothee. I haven't been taking care of myself, and I need to do better for all of us," I admitted, feeling a sense of resolve creeping in.
Timothee studied me for a moment before his expression softened.
"We all need you at your best, Barby. Remember to prioritize your own well-being too," he said, his tone gentler now.
After that I glanced at Asher and Sawyer. "You guys want some warm milk extract for bedtime?"
Asher and Sawyer exchanged hesitant glances before Asher spoke up. "That'll be a good idea mom."
I nodded and immediately made both of them warm milk. After that I took them both to sleep soundly in their respective chambers. Strangely, I felt someone was following me.
As I tucked Asher and Sawyer into their beds, the soft glow of the moonlight spilled through the window, casting long shadows across the room. The air was still, yet a faint rustling sound from the hallway caught my attention. I paused, listening intently. The house was supposed to be empty except for us.
I stepped out into the hallway, the floorboards creaking under my feet. The rustling grew louder, and as I approached the source, I could make out a silhouette in the dim light. My heart raced, but my protective instincts overpowered my fear.
"Who's there?" I called out, my voice steady despite the tremor I felt.
"Mom?" I sounded.
But suddenly a hug surprised me. Timothee clung to my neck then kissed my forehead.
"Are you drunk?"
Timothee's eyes, usually so clear and bright, were clouded over, his smile a little too wide. "No, no, not at all," he slurred, his words tumbling over each other. "Just happy to see you, that's all."
The room spun slightly as he leaned into me, his weight heavy. I steadied him, my mind racing. This wasn't like Timothee. He was the responsible one, the steady hand. Something was off.
"Let's get you to bed," I said, guiding him towards his room. As we walked, I noticed the front door ajar, the night's chill seeping in. My heart skipped a beat. Had Timothee come in alone?