Page 30 of House of Soot

"Let me get your night meds." I grab the organizer from her nightstand, counting out the evening pills while she catches her breath. "Did you enjoy dinner?"

A soft smile lights up her tired face. "He's wonderful, Jenna. The way he looks at you, it reminds me of how your father used to look at me." She accepts the pills and water glass from me.

Warmth spreads through my chest. "Really?"

"Mmhmm." She takes her medication and puts on her nightgown. Then she lets me help her lie back against the pillows. "I haven't seen you this happy in years."

I tuck the blanket around her. "I am happy, Mom. Blaise is… he's everything I never knew I needed."

"Better than pining after young Mr. Kean?" Her eyes twinkle with mischief.

Heat floods my cheeks. "Mom!"

"A mother notices these things." She catches my hand, squeezing with what little strength she has left. "But Blaise sees you. The real you. That's worth more than any crush."

I lean down to kiss her forehead. "Get some rest.”

Mom's approval means everything to me. After all we've been through together, knowing she sees the same goodness in Blaise that I do makes this feeling even more special.

Back in the living room, Blaise sprawls on our worn couch, his long legs stretched out. I curl up next to him, fitting perfectly against his side. His arm wraps around me, pulling me closer.

"Your mom okay?” he asks.

“Yep. She sleeps pretty well, all things considered.”

"You take such good care of her."

"She's all I have." I trace patterns on his chest. "Well, had. Now there's you too."

He stiffens for a moment, then relaxes. "Lucky me."

His reaction unsettles me a little bit. Is he having second thoughts? I tilt my face up to his. "I mean it. These past few weeks with you… I've never felt like this before."

He smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m glad. You and your mom seem to be doing alright. What happened to your dad again?”

"I was just a baby when he died, but he worked here like Mom did." I snuggle closer.

“So he worked for the Keans?”

“No, the Ifrinns. Mom always says he was the bravest man she knew. Speaking of bravery…" I poke his ribs. "My hero, helping put out that fire the other night."

He catches my hand, bringing it to his lips. "Just doing my job."

"Well, your job got you a promotion. Soon, you'll be running the whole security team."

"Planning my career path already?" His eyes crinkle with amusement.

"Maybe." I grin up at him. "Someone has to look out for your future."

"And that someone is you?"

"Obviously. I make excellent life choices."

His laugh rumbles through his chest, and it soothes the concern I had earlier. "Like letting a guard sweet talk you into a picnic?"

I feel the heat of a blush on my cheeks. “Yes.”

Blaise shifts. "What were the Ifrinns like?"

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