Page 103 of Kotori
When I open my eyes, Kaito is watching me with an expression that makes my knees weak. Possession and tenderness combined, the look of a man who's found exactly what he was seeking.
"What did you wish for?" he asks quietly while the girls explore the shrine grounds.
"Nothing," I admit. "Just gave thanks for what I already have."
"Wise woman." His hand finds the small of my back, that casual claiming touch that still makes heat race through my veins. "Though there are always ways to make good things even better."
The possessive undertone in his voice makes my stomach clench with familiar wariness, but before I can ask what he means, Aya comes running back with a handful of colorful leaves she's collected.
"Look what I found! Can we press these in a book so they last forever?"
"Of course," I tell her. "We'll make a memory book of today."
"With all our pictures and the leaves and everything?"
"Everything."
She bounces with excitement, then suddenly grows serious. "Paige-mama? Are you happy you came to live with us?" The question is so earnest, so hopeful.
"More happy than I ever thought possible, sweetheart."
"Good," she says with satisfaction. "Because we're never letting you go."
Thatevening,afterdinnerand baths and the gentle chaos of bedtime routines, I find myself in Aya's room for story time. It's become our nightly ritual, all three girls curled up on Aya's bed while I read from whatever book has captured their current attention.
Tonight it's a collection of Japanese folk tales, stories about brave princesses and wise animals and the spirits that live in sacred places. Aya is practically asleep against my side, while Kohana and Mizuki listen with the focused attention of daughters who've learned to treasure these quiet family moments.
"One more story," Aya mumbles sleepily. "The one about the fox bride."
"You're too tired for another story," I say gently, smoothing her hair back from her face. "Tomorrow night, I promise."
"Will you tuck me in?" she asks. "Like a real mama?"
The question hits me right in the chest. "Of course, sweetheart."
I help settle her under her covers, adjusting the blankets the way she likes them, making sure her favorite stuffed animal is within reach. When I lean down to kiss her forehead, she wraps her small arms around my neck and holds tight.
"I love you, Paige-mama," she whispers against my ear. "Thank you for choosing us."
"I love you too, baby girl. Sweet dreams."
Kohana and Mizuki hug me goodnight with equal warmth, and as I turn off the lights and close the door, I'm overwhelmed by the completeness of this moment. This is what I never knew I was missing, the weight of being loved and needed, the responsibility and joy of being someone's safe harbor.
In the hallway, I find Kaito waiting for me, leaning against the wall with an expression of deep contentment.
"Happy?" he asks softly.
"More than I ever thought possible," I admit.
"Good." He straightens and moves closer, his hand finding mine. "Because this is only the beginning, kotori. Today was just a preview of what our future looks like."
"What do you mean?"
"Come to bed," he says instead of answering. "Let me show you how proud I am of the mother you've become."
28
Paige
