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“So, your mum’s ready for breakfast, and you know what happens if we keep her waiting.”
Georgie eyed her suspiciously. “What happens?”
Wren raised her brows and whispered conspiratorially, “She turns you into a bunny.”
Georgie didn’t even blink. “I’m too old for that sort of pretending, Wren.”
Her heart sank a little at the declaration. He was getting bigger and while she loved to watch him grow, it also broke her heart.
She stood and swatted her hands at him to move over. “But are you too old for dolphin books?”
Georgie eagerly scooted over in the bed, leaving space for Wren to slide in next to him. She chuckled at his eagerness as she reached for the red and silver book sitting on his nightstand. It was his most favorite book and either her aunt, uncle, or her read it to him at least twice a day.
Of all the people and things in her life, the little freckled boy was by far her favorite. His smile and laughter were contagious, and one was always present since he was egregiously spoiled. He was the apple of her aunt and uncle's eyes, and very rarely had to ask twice for anything. He brought so much light and life to their small family.
There was no resisting his charm. "All right, all right. You are lucky I also love dolphins."
Opening the well-worn book, she began reading the familiar words, speaking of a vast sea filled with all sorts of peculiar creatures and large fish with fins on their backs that loved to leap and jump out of the sea in spectacular displays of strength and beauty.
“Dolphins already? That must be a new record.” The man leaning against the door frame was a grown version of Georgie.
Her uncle Jasper had the same curly red hair and freckles as Georgie. The only difference was Georgie had inherited her aunt’s brown eyes.
“It’s never too early, Papa,” Georgie said, his tone serious.
Uncle Jasper smiled fondly at his son. “Your mum is waiting and don’t tell her I said anything, but she’s a little grumpy this morning.”
“Mum!” yelled Georgie loud enough Wren winced. “Papa says—”
Wren clasped her hand over Georgie’s mouth stifling the damning words. A rough laugh broke from Uncle Jasper who turned and made for the stairs.
“You little trouble maker,” Wren chastised as she slipped from the bed and tickled him once more for good measure.
By the time they made it downstairs, Wren half expected a lecture, but her aunt’s mood melted away at the sight of Georgie. He instantly ran to her and wrapped his arms around her thin waist.
“Papa says you're a grump.”
“Does he now?” Aunt Kate looked up from the little mop of red curls and fixed Uncle Jasper with a stare as he took his seat, but he only winked at her.
Taking their seats, everyone dove right into the home made breakfast her aunt had spent the last hour making.
Her aunt nudged her uncle and he cleared his throat and rubbed his hands together. “I-I meanwewondered if you might like to go spend the day with that friend of yours.”
Her aunt slapped her uncle lightly on the arm. “Her name is Cara, you idiot man.”
Her uncle grumbled, “Yes, right. Cara. Anyway would you like to—” He didn’t get a chance to finish his question because Wren jumped up eagerly and ran to the other side of the table to throw her arms around them. They both seemed equally uncomfortable, displays of affection not quite to their liking, but they endured it anyway.
“Thank you!” Wren hadn’t meant to shout, but the delicious thrill running through her was too much to contain.
Georgie squinted up at her. “You are acting weird.”
She smiled back at him indulgently. “That, my prince, is because your parents just gave me the day off.”
Georgie pouted. “I will come along as well then,” he said perfectly reasonably as he turned to exit his chair.
“You will not, Georgie. You are going to stay and help me at home today.” her aunt said the words in a tone even Georgie knew better to argue with. On second thought, his face smoothed with determination as if he might argue anyway.
Wren bent down and kissed his forehead. “I’ll see you tonight, trouble!” she called, grabbing another roll before heading to the front door.
