Page 117 of Illicit Heir

Annie knocks on the door. "Dear, how does it fit?"

I open the door.

Annie's expression lights up. She chirps, "Ya look amazing in that. How does it feel?"

"Good," I admit.

"Well, keep it on. I'm going to put something nicer on for our anniversary."

"Okay," I say, feeling guilty again that I'm interrupting their anniversary. But they don't seem to mind.

They're probably just being nice to me.

Regardless, I'm grateful for it. I've been on my own, by myself, for too many days to count.

"All right, dear. I think these are all things in your size." Annie pulls a bunch of clothes out until there's a huge pile on the floor.

"That's a lot of clothes," I say.

"It is, but it's good to have options, right?"

"I suppose it is."

She picks up half the pile and says, "Grab the rest. We'll take these down to your room and organize them."

I don't argue with her. We get into my tiny room and refold the clothes until they're neatly on the shelf.

She beams at me and says, "I think you've got everything ya need now."

"I do. Thank ya so much."

"You're welcome. We're really glad to have ya here."

"I'm really grateful to be here," I say and get teary-eyed again.

"Now, dear, you're going to make me cry if ya keep that up," she claims.

I softly laugh and wipe my eyes. "Okay. I'll try to stop."

"Good. Get some rest for a while. I'll have ya come to the pub fifteen minutes before ten. That way, we're there when the guests arrive."

"Sure. Sounds good."

"Okay then, make yourself at home," she orders, then leaves, shutting the door.

I stare at the clothes on the shelf for several minutes, then sit on the bed.

My new home.

For now.

I shake off the anxiety about the future. Right now, I just need to take one day at a time.

20

Devin

One Month Later

---