Page 26 of Love Me Forever

“I’m not helpless.”

“I didn’t say you were,” said Maxime. “Adoption can be stressful. A person might slide into the role of a parent without a lot of trouble, but you have to remember it’s still a big change, and it’s combined with other things in your life like being King and getting married. It’s also a big change for her, and you’ll both be trying to navigate this. Some parents can also be quite hard on themselves because they may fear they’re not doing something right, and kids don’t come with handbooks.”

Sébastien could see that. He’d have to rearrange some things in his life. He couldn’t simply go out with Remus and leave her unattended. Or go out himself if Remus decided he wasn’t dealing with this unexpected girl. If she was sick in the night, he’d have to take care of her. He could get a nanny, but he didn’t like the idea of foisting the responsibility on another, so that idea was out. A nanny might like children, but they did the work for money, and he couldn’t bet on anyone feeling the same about a child that wasn’t theirs.

Besides, Mother had never used a nanny, and not all higher-ups left the care of their offspring to paid people.

“If you need help or even just a moment to yourself so you can recoup, ask me. I could watch her for a day or even just a few hours if you need.”

“You have patients.”

“It doesn’t mean I can’t help you if you need it. I know you’re not inclined to ask, but if you need help, there’s no shame in it. How’s Remus?”

“He’s fine. He was in the office when I left.” Sébastien had sent him a short note a couple of days ago informing him of Remus’s return and their coming marriage.

“So…he doesn’t know?”

“No. How could I say anything yet? I took her here.”

“Ah. I’m sure that when you tell him, he’ll understand.”

Ideally, yes. Except Sébastien was afraid it wouldn’t turn out that way. He didn’t see Remus setting Éloïse outside or demanding Sébastien get rid of her, but that didn’t mean he’d be thrilled about sticking around.

“I want to take her home so she can eat.” Sébastien stood. “Are you ready to go, Éloïse?”

She dropped a block into the box and ran back to him. “Where are we going?”

“My home.”

“I don’t know where that is.”

“You’ll see when we go.”

“Is he coming?” She pointed at Maxime who laughed.

“I live here.”

Sébastien smiled at her. “Whisper’s waiting, so let’s go. Thank you, Maxime.”

***

Éloïse watched him take care of Whisper and asked when she had to go back to her spot.

“What do you mean your spot?”

“I kip in an old shed.”

“Doesn’t kip mean you live there?”

“Yeah, I sleep there.”

“You live here now, so you’ll never have to sleep in an old shed again. When I said you're living with me, I meant forever, not for a couple.”

“Really forever?”

“Yes, really.”

Sébastien had the small package from the scent shop, and he tucked it under his arm before he picked her up from the grass. She was light enough to hold against his hip with one arm. The bottoms of her feet were already dirty, and the backyard was dirt and grass, but he didn’t want her accidentally stepping on a stray pebble and nicking herself again.

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