Page 60 of Demon Daddy's Little Girl

"You're watching them again." Vashti perches on the edge of my desk, her golden eyes sparkling with mischief.

I set down my quill. "I'm ensuring their safety."

"Mhmm." She picks up one of my paperweights, turning it in her hands. "The same way you 'ensured their safety' during Rose's tea party yesterday? With a tiara on your head?"

"The crown was necessary for proper tea etiquette."

Her laugh rings through the study. "Brother dear, when will you admit what's obvious to everyone else?"

"And what would that be?"

"That you want them to stay. Permanently." She sets down the paperweight. "I see how you look at them. How you've changed since they arrived."

I've told Ada I love her. I've asked her to stay. But there's one step further, I need to go. So she can see that I will never change how I feel.

My fingers trace the ritual markings on my forearms. "I want them to be my family, Vashti. Not just temporary wards under my protection."

"Have you told Ada?"

"How?" I stand, pacing to the window. Rose has convinced Ada to make flower crowns, their heads bent together in concentration. "After everything she's been through, how do I tell her I want her to give me everything? She's learning to trust me, and I don't want to push her too far."

Vashti joins me at the window. "By being honest. Ada's stronger than you think. And Rose already adores you - or should I say 'Cappy Dez'?"

"This isn't a joke."

"I'm not joking." She touches my arm. "You deserve happiness, brother. After Raina-"

"This is different."

"Yes, it is. Which is exactly why you should fight for it."

I turn from the window, running a hand through my hair. "She's different from anyone I've ever known. The way she stands up to me, challenges me..." A rare smile tugs at my lips. "Yesterday she told me my guard rotation schedule was, and I quote, 'absolutely ridiculous and clearly made by someone who's never had to actually patrol in winter.'"

"And?" Vashti's eyes dance with amusement.

"She was right. I revised it this morning."

Vashti claps her hands together. "Oh, you've got it bad. So what's your plan?"

"Plan?"

"To propose, you dolt." She flicks my arm. "You can't just march up and say 'Be my wife' like some cave demon."

I growl under my breath. "I hadn't thought that far ahead."

"Clearly." Vashti starts pacing, her dress swishing with each turn. "It needs to be personal, meaningful. Something that shows you understand her past but are focused on your future together."

My eyes drift back to the garden where Ada is now teaching Rose about different herbs. Her braid has come loose, honey-blonde strands catching the sunlight. "The garden. It's where she feels most at home."

"Now you're thinking." Vashti taps her chin. "What about during sunset? We could string up fairy lights in the trees, scatter rose petals-"

"No." I shake my head. "Nothing elaborate or showy. That's not Ada. She values sincerity over spectacle."

"Then what about early morning? When she's usually alone in the garden? Just the two of you, surrounded by the herbs and flowers she's brought back to life."

The image settles in my mind, feeling right. "Simple. Honest. I want Rose there."

"Like Ada." Vashti smiles softly. "And you'll need a ring."

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