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I look down my nose. "As long as she doesn't wear you out. Let me know when you need a break."
The older woman waves me off. "I am fine. Thank you."
I look over to Talia, who is looking more and more zombielike by the minute.
"Magda, would you mind taking Solana for hot chocolate?" I ask the housekeeper, my eyes never leaving Talia's exhausted face.
"I love hot chocolate!" Solana cheers.
Magda flashes me a smile and herds her out of the room. The little girl's footsteps patter away down the hall.
I sit next to Talia on the sofa, taking her free hand in mine. Her skin is like ice. I warm it in both of my hands.
She needs more support. She needs to be around family.
"We need to talk," I say gently.
She blinks slowly, like a cat. "Can it wait? I'm so tired, Dare."
"Don't worry, I won't ask anything of you right now. I just want you to know my plans for the future."
She nods, eyes already drifting shut. I forge ahead quickly.
"The children from Hope House are still at the Windsor hotel. It's been a month now, and that hotel is no place for them long term. So I've decided they'll come live here, at the estate."
Talia's eyes fly open, suddenly alert. "What?"
I rush to explain. "We have so many empty rooms, acres for them to explore. We can make playrooms, get tutors and therapists. Give them the childhood they deserve."
Her mouth opens and closes, her expression startled.
"Dare... that's a wonderful idea, but..."
I cut her off as gently as possible.
"I was thinking about us, too. I was thinking that we could eventually move in here. And I thought that we could make Minnie a room that is close at hand. Olivia, too, if she wants to come stay. One day, we can build stables out back so you can have your very own horses. That way you would have all the support you need, not just from me, but also from the women in your life."
I search her face anxiously. Does she understand my intentions? The last thing I want is to stress her out.
Wordlessly, she lays Hope in the bassinet beside her. She goes down without a fuss. Then Talia throws her arms around me, hugging me fiercely. I'm a little taken aback.
Is this a ringing endorsement of my plan?
"You're amazing," she whispers. "This is my dream come true."
I clutch her tight, relief washing over me in a dizzying wave. I stroke her hair. I'm still in disbelief that she supports my decision.
"You like the idea?"
She presses her face against my chest. "It's amazing. I never thought about it, but there is plenty of space here."
"I know it won't be easy," I say. "We'll need to hire more staff, make renovations. And deal with Remy..."
I trail off, not wanting to think about Remy's reaction when I told him. He barely tolerates my wife's presence in his ancestral home. How will he handle a dozen rambunctious children running wild in the hallways?
Talia pulls back, searching my face. "What did Remy say? Does he know?"
I grimace. No point lying to her. "I told him this morning. He wasn't exactly pleased."
