Page 51 of Royal Beast
“It’s a surprise,” Kellan says, a soft smile on his face as he climbs to his feet. “I’ll be right back,” he promises.
“No! Kellan can’t leave, Mama,” Rose says, her lower lip trembling.
“He’ll be right back,” I reassure her. “Take the medicine so you can get your surprise.”
Rose makes a face but swallows it down. I offer her the cup of juice and she drinks noisily, making a show out of clearing her mouth of the “yucky” taste.
By the time Kellan returns, she’s starting to get sleepy and I’ve put a Disney movie on for her to watch. Rose sits up when he comes back through the door, eyes shining as he comes over.
“I missed you!” she says, reaching out for her presents. He smiles, settling down next to her, then offers her a bag, which she tears into. Inside is a carton of Rocky Road ice cream and a soft white bag with a red heart on it.
“It’s a doctor's kit,” he explains, watching carefully as Rose opens it and begins taking things out. “You can play doctor on me and your mom while you recuperate.”
Rose claps and gives Kellan a one-armed hug. “It’s the bestest present ever in the whole wide world! You’re my bestest friend!”
Their interaction makes my heart clench as I watch Rose place her pretend stethoscope on Kellan’s chest, listening to his“Heart Beep”, and I’m struck by a wave of guilt as I realize how my decision not to tell him about her was selfish. The way they interact, it’s clear that they care for each other. I know I should tell him the truth, but I thought I was doing the right thing at the time.
“Mama, can I take your heart beep?” Rose asks. I’m distracted as Rose places the plastic toy against my chest and I push the lingering thoughts to the back of my head.
The three of us settle back down once Rose is finished with her ice cream and start the movie up again. It doesn’t take long for Rose to start slowly drifting off, the painkillers finally kicking in.
I glance over at Kellan, who’s sitting just a little too still beside us, his gaze not on the screen but on Rose, a thoughtful expression on his face. I wonder what he’s thinking about, but then he speaks, breaking the silence.
“Darcy, would you let me adopt Rose?”
I freeze, my fingers brushing Rose’s hair as I process the words. For a second, I think I must’ve misheard him. My heart stutters in my chest as I turn toward him, trying to read his face, trying to figure out exactly what he’s asking. “What?”
He doesn’t hesitate. “I know this might come out of nowhere, but hear me out.” He shifts closer, his voice lowering. “I know my line of work is dangerous. You know that. There’s always that risk that something could happen and I wouldn’t be able to come back. If something happens to me, I want to make sure you and Rose are taken care of. If I’m legally her father, it’s one less thing for you to worry about, one less person standing in the way of her being protected. I want that responsibility. I want to make sure she’s safe. Always.”
I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. I’m torn, not sure how to answer him. He’s asking me to trust him and I don’t know if I can.
“You want to be her father.” It’s not a question, but the words feel heavy on my tongue.
“I do,” he says, the sincerity in his voice clear.
I’m quiet for a long moment, my eyes flicking back to Rose. Kellan watches me closely, waiting, and I feel the weight of his words in the air between us.
Then, his shoulders drop slightly, and he exhales a quiet breath. “Look, Darcy, I understand. This is a big ask, and I don’t expect you to make a decision right now.” His voice is steady, but there’s a note of disappointment creeping in. “Just… think about it. Take your time. If it’s not the right choice, I’ll respect that. But I want you to know I’m serious about protecting you both. I don’t want to put that burden on you if something happens to me.”
I want to tell him that I don’t know what to think, that I’m just trying to make sense of it all. But instead, I nod, my throat tight. I can’t bring myself to speak just yet.
He reaches over, squeezing my hand gently as though waiting for me to meet his eyes and offer the reassurance he’s hoping for. But I can’t give it to him right now. Not yet.
“I will,” I finally say, my voice soft. “I’ll think about it.”
He gives me a small nod, his expression unreadable, but I can tell he’s not fully convinced. I don’t know how to explain the things I’m feeling—the weight of the guilt on my chest, the level of trust he’s asking for… it’s all too much, so I just sit back and let the movie play out.
The next day, Kellan takes Rose and me to seeDisney on Ice. The rink is a flurry of color, a dazzling world of twirling princesses and heroic animals, and Rose’s face lights up the entire time. She’s completely captivated, her little hands pressed to the glass as she watches in awe, wide-eyed and utterly entranced by the sight of it all.
Kellan’s smile never fades as he watches her, his eyes softening with every laugh, every excited shout that Rose letsout. It’s clear just how much he cares about her and how much he’s already invested in her and in us. His easy affection makes something inside me twist.
I glance at him as we sit side by side, our knees almost touching, and my chest tightens. He’s already taken on the role of protector, of father, so naturally, it almost feels like he’s already a part of our family. But it’s not real.
I feel that familiar pang of guilt, sharper this time. I’m lying to him. Every day, I’m lying to him about something so fundamental. That Rose isn’t his. That she’s not his daughter, no matter how much he’s come to care for her.
I wish it were easier. I wish he knew the truth, that he understood why I’ve kept this secret. But I can’t bring myself to tell him. Not yet. I’m afraid it’ll change everything between us—everything he feels for Rose, for me.
The show ends, and I try to push the thoughts from my mind, focusing instead on Rose, who’s bouncing with energy, too excitable to let the day end. We get ice cream on the way home, and I help Rose into her pajamas as Kellan starts a bubble bath for her, a ritual she seems to love.
