Page 99 of Sharpen Your Claws
The hue faded with William’s reassurance. The fae smiled a little crooked.
Matilda thought of Nicholas’ condition like a cold. Some days he had it, and most days he didn’t. When the symptoms showed themselves, they were often thwarted by attention, not even solely William’s. While William proved the most effective against an outburst or frustration, Matilda could take Nicholas’ hand and ease him into comfort. It had simply become something everyone acknowledged and worked with, as they would anything else.
The three entered the dining room together, where everyone took their seats. Staff scurried around the table, filling it with delights. William searched the perimeter. Once, that would have upset Matilda. Over the years, she learned there were wounds that would never fully heal, but that didn’t mean that all was unwell. All lived with their wounds and they could live as happily as any other. Her boys were happy, sat at the table surrounded by family.
Matilda sat at her husband’s side. Arthur kissed Amara’s cheek. Alice giggled in William’s lap as Nicholas made the silverware dance. Henry scribbled in his notebook until Arden threw it out the open window. Evera nearly spit out her drink in laughter. Charmaine squeezed her hand, mildly embarrassed, while telling the twins that they’d grow old and wrinkly in a year if they didn’t eat their vegetables. Richard and Eleanor thanked her profusely with their grateful eyes, and Robert stood.
“A toast,” he said, smiling in a way he hadn’t for so many years. “To family.”
“To family,” the table cheered.
Matilda smiled over the rim of her glass and made a mental note to buy a bigger table. Their lives changed, as they were always destined to, but they were home and they were happy. That was all anyone could ever want.
