Page 37 of Bound by Love
Sir waited patiently, keenly aware of how important this moment was to his friend.
When Rytsar was ready, he opened his eyes and smiled at Brie. “Thank you,radost moya.I am truly honored.”
He held out his arms again, and Sir carefully placed the tiny infant in his muscular embrace.
“Hello,moya solntse,” he said in a soothing voice, grinning down at her. “May I have this dance with you?”
Cradling her tiny form against his chest, Rytsar began to sway to a tune only he could hear as he moved slowly in a circle.
Brie had to hold back the tears as she watched Rytsar keep his promise to her.
Sir returned to Brie’s side and took her hand, squeezing it tightly as they both watched.
Rytsar looked down at Hope while he danced, stating with wonder in his voice, “I knew you would be beautiful…but you take yourdyadya’sbreath away.”
Gift of Memories
Brie was trying to feed the baby, still learning how to help Hope attach to her breast correctly so she could suckle. Brie had always assumed it happened naturally, having had no idea it was a process mother and child had to practice together.
Thane was standing beside her, giving her encouragement when the babe slipped off again. He got a phone call and excused himself while the lactation nurse assisted Brie in getting her to reattach.
He came back smiling. “I have good news for you, babygirl. Your parents have just landed and should be here soon.”
She looked up at him, beaming. “I can’t wait for them to meet their grandchild.” She looked down at little Hope, completely and utterly in love with her. “They’re going to be so proud….”
“I wonder if your father will be wearing the mouse ears,” Thane joked.
Brie started laughing, causing the poor baby to slip off again. Brie’s giggles wouldn’t stop and she had to take several deep breaths before she could begin nursing again. “Forgive me, Hope. Your grandpa has an interesting relationship with your father.”
She had to squelch more laughter for the baby’s sake as she thought back on how that had all played out.
Brie was wrapping up the Bambi music box to set it into the shipping box, along with the Mickey Mouse ears and the bottle of catsup.
“No,” Sir told her. “I think they should be sent separately. Your father’s first, and then your mother’s gift the day after. It’s the only way for it to have the correct impact.”
Brie wondered what he was up to and shook her head, grinning.
Sir explained as he handed her another box. “Your father will open this box without the return address to find only the ears and the catsup bottle inside with no explanation. While he thinks about who could have possibly sent it, your mother’s gift will arrive the following day with a sweet note from you telling them we hope they enjoy the gifts.”
“You’ve thought this all out, haven’t you?”
Sir stroked his chin. “Yes, I have, as a matter of fact. After your father realizes the gifts came from us, he will look at the items in a new light. If we are lucky, he will make the connection to the diner those many years ago. As to what he will think of it, well…that’s what makes this interesting for me.”
Brie pulled the music box out and replaced it with more paper so the items were well cushioned for the trip. “So no note to Dad?”
“Correct.”
Brie giggled as she taped the box shut. “You’re so naughty, Sir.”
“Hopefully, he will receive it in the spirit it’s been given,” he replied with a smirk.
While Brie was readying the second box, Sir walked over and handed her a blank card. She took it from him, admiring the delicate artwork of flowers.
“For your mother. It reminds me of her. She seems fragile like a flower but, in truth, she is strong—strong enough to counterbalance your father and do it with grace.”
Brie smiled, running her fingers over one of the flowers on the front of the card. “You’re right, Sir. My mother has a silent strength. They make a perfect team, I think.” She smiled at him. “They’re like us in some ways—but totally vanilla.”
“And he’s stubborn,” Sir added with a chuckle. “However, the fact that your father invited me into your family means a great deal to me. I am indebted to him.”
