A Life Earthbound (2 page)

Thea eyed Lucian expectantly. “You should go and get Liam from the nursery, introduce him to the baby.”

He nodded and disappeared out the door. Thea followed, hoping to give the new father a moment alone with the child.

Rohan sat still as a statue, afraid to move or disturb the tiny creature he had helped bring into this world. She fit so delicately in his hands and the crook of his arm. He watched her breathe slowly and peacefully, his mind consumed with wonder and that special something reserved for new fathers. She would need him to guide her, to protect her and to be there for her. And he would do his best to give her the finest life he could, structured and ordered and secure, just as his childhood had been. Under his instruction, she would grow into not only a fine young woman, but the best Earth Dryad Euphora had ever seen.

“Rhiannon…” he murmured, leaning in to press his lips to her forehead. “You are my heart.”

A tear escaped and slipped down his cheek. He shut his eyes against the emotion, afraid to embrace it. He wasn’t an emotional man but nothing had moved him like this moment of holding his daughter in his hands.

When Lucian returned, he held his sleepy, year and a half old son in his arms. Liam yawned hugely, then rubbed his eyes and stared up owlishly at his father, before looking curiously toward the new baby.

Lucian grinned, his eyes sparkling with delight. “Liam, this is Rhiannon.”

He walked over to where Rohan still sat with the baby and held Liam close so he could get a glimpse of her. Liam leaned over, fighting for a better look while keeping a tight grip on his father’s shirt, his bright blue eyes wide with wonder.

Rohan watched Liam stare down at his daughter and managed a smile.

“You take care of my little girl, Liam. Be nice to her always.”

Liam nodded as he reached out with his finger to gently touch Rhiannon’s cheek.

“Boot-ful,” he announced, turning back to grin at his father. It was a word that he had heard Lucian use time and time again to describe his mother and this was his first time trying it out.

Lucian laughed and Rohan joined in despite himself.

Pleased to have made the adults smile, Liam beamed at them and repeated himself. As he stared back down at Rhiannon, he knew, even then, that it was true.

The smell of grass and wildflowers filled the air, mixing subtly with the unmistakable scent of baby powder and fresh linen. The lovely, white blanket they rested on crunched upon the grass and a cool, gentle wind caressed the air. A buttercup yellow butterfly landed breezily on the linen, as if momentarily resting its wings. Rhiannon’s arm reached out, pure curiosity, to try and touch the newcomer.

When it flew away on a light gust of wind, escaping her still pudgy baby’s fingers, she merely watched it go, wondering if would return to visit again.

Beside her, Liam was busy breaking apart graham crackers and methodically making a pile for each of them. He was wearing his favorite denim overalls with a sunny yellow t-shirt, which he had already cheerfully smudged with ketchup at lunch.

His favorite time of the day was being outside and he adored taking care of the baby. He accepted what his young mind thought of as his responsibility with eager enthusiasm, and he took it upon himself to ensure the baby was happy and entertained.

He looked up from separating the crackers to watch her and she smiled at him. He smiled back, easy as rain.

Rhiannon was prettily dressed in a tea green dress with just enough skirt to hide her diaper. In her already generous dark hair was a matching green bow, complete with a plastic lady bug charm.

She was only a year old.

Seated a few yards away were their mothers, busily knitting and gossiping. It was a bright, cheerful sunny day, as it always was on Euphora. And for now, life was peaceful.

“Did you hear the racket the little thing made coming out? I thought my ears might bleed!” Serendipity chuckled, shaking her head. “And she’s only gotten worse these last few months.”

Clarity sighed, her fingers busily shifting yarn. “Why in the world did you offer to assist Nyxa during her labor in the first place?”

“I didn’t offer, Thea coerced me into it. She seemed to think Nyxa and I would bond over the experience.” She sent a frosty, meaningful glare to Clarity to emphasize her point. “That woman is insane. Why Brock puts up with her, I will never understand.”

“She was the best he could do after you dumped him.” Giggling, Clarity patted her friend’s arm. “He’s never gotten over you, you know.”

“Don’t I know it.” Rolling her eyes, but smirking with pleasure, Serendipity reached for her glass of peach tea and took a generous sip. “But he’s distracted now with that little hellion daughter of his. God, I am so glad Rhiannon doesn’t cry like that little brat. A year old and Rhiannon’s hardly cried once. Sometimes I wonder if something’s wrong with her…”

“Oh, be thankful, Serendipity,” Clarity demanded, glancing over at the babies. “Liam is a good child, too.”

“Yes. I can say with full confidence that I made the right choice in having Rohan’s child instead of Brock’s.” Serendipity visibly shuddered, shaking her head. “Earth Dryads have always been more centered and mature. I don’t know what I would do with a Fire Dryad for a child.”

“And your father never approved of Brock, so that was really never going anywhere anyway.”

“True. Rohan was the perfect suitor. Albeit quite boring in comparison, but he’s a good father and he will always be faithful to me. I wouldn’t have those same assurances with Brock.” Her eyes lit up as she leaned in conspiratorially to her friend. “I heard Thea mention something to Sebastian about how she caught Brock smuggling in demon weapons. Can you imagine? What in the world he needs those for is beyond me…”

“Maybe he’s going to challenge Rohan to a duel and win you back.” Clarity winked and tossed back her luxurious mane of strawberry blonde hair.

“Perhaps.” Amused, Serendipity leaned back in her chair and resumed knitting.

Trinity, the third Muse, appeared behind them and took a seat at the small table, her eyes dancing.

“Did you girls hear about Clynn?” she asked excitedly, eager to spread the latest gossip.

Serendipity eyed her friend. “No, what happened?”

“He just went to Thea and told her he wants to marry a human girl! He even threatened to leave Euphora for good if she refuses to let him.”

“Interesting…who is this girl? Is she of proper pedigree?” Serendipity asked, setting aside her knitting.

“No, that’s just it!” Trinity gushed. “She’s just some girl that works at a coffee shop. She’s basically poor and worthless as far as human society goes. Can you imagine?”

“Clynn has always been a bit weird,” Clarity chimed in. “I’m sure the idea of marrying someone beneath him doesn’t faze him.”

“Yes, but you know how Thea is,” Trinity continued. “If we’re going to choose a human for our mate, they have to be of importance in some way. Like that Enforcer I told you both about, the tall, dark and handsome one.”

“Oh yes, he sounds most agreeable.” Clarity nodded in approval.

“You just have to tell him your intentions, Trinity,” Serendipity advised. “Or perhaps your father can arrange the marriage for you.”

“I didn’t even think of that,” Trinity mused, though her eyes narrowed. “But that hasn’t been done in some time.”

“Please, my parents’ marriage was arranged,” Clarity declared, chin up proudly. “If you recall, my father was a very talented French painter and it was my grandfather who petitioned him for marriage to my mother. Unfortunately, he died young so I really don’t remember him. But I like to think that I am more in tune with our work because of my artistic roots.”

“That is definitely true,” Serendipity agreed. “I, for one, think that arranged marriages are a splendid idea. It takes all the messiness out of selecting a proper husband. There’s little emotion involved and it’s really like a business transaction. In fact, my marriage was essentially arranged.”

“Except that Rohan worships the ground you walk on,” Trinity said, rolling her eyes.

“This may be true but our relationship is still very much business. As is yours, Clarity.”

“Lucian is kind.” Clarity ran her hands through her hair as she eyed her friends knowingly. “You remember when we were teens, he and I made a promise that if we didn’t find anyone else by our twentieth birthday, that we would get married. And so it happened.”

“I have considered arranging Rhiannon’s marriage. The best thing for a child is direction and structure, and I plan on giving Rhiannon both of those things.”

“You rebelled for years after being beholden to your parents’ structure, Serendipity,” Trinity reminded her friend. “Don’t you worry she will do the same?”

“Not my daughter,” Serendipity said assuredly, daring them both to dispute her. “I will mold her into the perfect woman and guide her to the perfect marriage. One sniff about rebelling and I will squash those hopes immediately.”

Clarity glanced over at Trinity, both looking wary. “You don’t think that’s a bit harsh?”

Serendipity scoffed as if she couldn’t believe they were disagreeing with her. “Not at all. She will benefit from my instruction and Rohan’s as well.”

“If you say so.” Trinity glanced up as Rohan and Lucian strolled down the pathway, heading straight for the babies. Both men crouched down beside the children, smiling.

“You save some graham crackers for me?” Lucian cheerfully asked Liam.

“Nope! All mine.” Liam grinned up at his father.

Rohan watched Rhiannon, admiring her. She just watched him back, eyes already as green as grass. It amazed him how docile she was, how calm and easygoing. And when she looked at him as she was doing now, he swore her little mind was working through all manner of thoughts and observations.

“We’re still waiting for her to say her first word,” Rohan told Lucian, looking worried. “Thea says she should have at least said something by now, but she’s convinced Rhiannon is just quiet by nature.”

“Be happy she’s so quiet,” Lucian chuckled with a grin. “Liam does nothing but ramble on all night and day, don’t you, boyo?”

Liam beamed and then happily began to make farm animal noises. Lucian glanced back at Rohan, eyebrows raised. “See?”

Rohan smiled and then looked down at Rhiannon. She was watching Liam with serious eyes, as if pondering the strange noises. He watched as her mouth opened and he heard her say something so quiet he could barely make it out.

“Wait, I think she just said something.” Rohan knelt down closer to her. Lucian put a hand on Liam’s shoulder, encouraging him to be quiet. “What did you say, Rhiannon?”

She looked up at her father and then back to Liam.

“Lee-um,” she said, so soft it was barely a word.

“Liam?” Rohan choked out, astonished. He stared wide eyed at Lucian. “She just said Liam.”

Lucian ruffled his son’s hair and smiled. “Did you hear that?”

Liam’s eyes widened as understanding came to him. When she said his name again, he burst into raucous laughter and leapt up to dance in place.

“That’s me, that’s me!” he boasted, excited when his father lifted him into his arms.

“Can you say her name?” Lucian asked, kissing his son’s nose.

“Ree-ah…” Liam attempted, his face screwed up in concentration. Lucian just laughed and held him close.

“Rhia is good, boyo. Rhia is real good.”

Liam tried the name out again, deciding he liked it.

Rohan watched his daughter, tears in his eyes. “Incredible,” he mumbled, his head shaking.

Rhiannon only continued to sit quietly, looking at those around her as if nothing extraordinary had happened at all.