Page 14 of Firefly

She nodded, cutting bits of chicken into tiny slices, and fed them to Sarah, who gobbled everything hungrily.

Simon watched as they cleaned their plate, leaving only crumbs behind. “Motherhood suits you.”

She looked up. “It’s all I ever wanted for myself.” Sarah grinned at them both, licking her lips. “Are you full, sweet girl?”

Sarah nodded and yawned loudly, leaning into her mother.

“Simon,” Rebecca said.

He jumped up from his chair, holding his hands out for Sarah. She reached for him and squealed gleefully as he lifted her into the air and spun her.

“Simon, look at me.”

“Let me take Sarah back to her crib.”

Before she could say more, he was gone. Her chest rose and fell as images of Simon, chained to the ceiling, flashed in her mind. Hairs on the back of her neck prickled, and she knew he was behind her without looking.

She held her breath, waiting for him to say something, announce his return, and acknowledge her earlier words, but he said nothing.

She spun to face him. “Simon, please.” The desperation in her voice cracked over the words.

Faster than her senses could comprehend, he was by her side, dropping to his knees. “Rebecca, I’ve tried to stay away. Tried to keep you safe, but…” His words died as his gaze trailed to her bandaged arm. “I failed you.”

His throat worked to swallow some other unsaid words as his gaze met hers, pleading eyes searching her face.

Rebecca laid a hand on his cheek and stared back, willing him to see her, to understand. “Simon.” She sucked in a breath. “I love you.”

Simon searched her face for one more moment before he leaned in, letting his lips caress hers. The kiss was gentle and sweet, unlike their other kisses, which had been so full of passion. But in this moment, somehow, it was what she needed, and her heart melted as he ran one hand over her cheek. Feelings of adoration and devotion exploded through her.

When they broke their kiss, he leaned back but didn’t release her. She stared into his eyes and knew she’d never felt love until this moment. She would give anything to see him smile at her like that for the rest of his life.

Rebecca shook her head, something in her brain finding fallacy in the last thought.

Simon’s hand fell away from her cheek, and her mind cleared. Simon wasn’t smiling, and those weren’t her feelings. She looked down at his hand resting by his side.

“Simon.”

“Yes,” he whispered back.

She reached for his hand, placing it against her cheek again. Blinding admiration assaulted her, making her chest warm. She would spend her life proving she was worthy of him.

With some effort, she tore his hand away and sucked in a breath. “I knew it.”

Some of the burning desire in Simon’s gaze dimmed. “Knew what?” he asked, almost reluctantly.

“You have magic.”

Simon sputtered a laugh, standing and pacing away from her. “What do you mean, magic? Like your father?” He turned back, expression hard.

“My father is not the only one with magic.”

Simon’s gaze turned wary. “What do you mean?”

“My entire family has magic.”

“No. No, Rebecca. Magic is evil. Please tell me you haven’t been using magic.” He dropped into the seat beside her.

Their eyes met. “Magic isn’t evil. My father is.” She watched him as he processed her words, coming to some decision.

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