His Secret Child

Chapter 16

Gwena's POV

"Dad, I need to move back home."

It was Sunday. Early morning. Breakfast time. Dylan had spent the night after a fun, but tiring night of family games. I was sitting at the table with Rowan to my right and Lily to my left. Clay was sitting across from me. And Dylan had scooted a chair next to Clay. I paused, making sure I heard him right. After spending time with Cassius and waking up at his house yesterday, my wolf was riding an emotional high and so I had a hard time focusing.

"What do you mean, Dylan?" asked Clay. "Is everything alright?"

My brother nodded, sipping his drink. "Yeah, it's just that my lease is almost over and I forgot to renew it. I have to be moved by the end of the week.

Ah. So I did hear correctly. "What? How'd you manage that?" I asked.

"Yeah, you're supposed to be the responsible one," commented Lucy.

Dylan huffed. "I don't know. It just slipped my mind. So, is there room for me to move back?"

"I don't know," Clay sighed. "Rowan is sleeping in your room—"

"Yeah, but she can move into my room," I suggested. "We'll have to rearrange the furniture a bit, but it should work."

"Gwena, are you sure?" asked Clay.

I nodded. "Dylan's my brother. I'll sacrifice some of my comfort to keep a roof over his head."

"Aw, thanks, Gwena." Dylan wrapped me in a hug.

The very next day we started on the arrangement. Dylan had most of his stuffed already packed up. Clay and I rearranged my bedroom to fit Rowan's furniture. It was a tight squeeze. My bed was moved from the center, to the side of the wall near the windows, Rowan's going at the end, with a small space in between. My small bookshelves were removed and put in the garage. So were a lot of Rowan's toys. Her small toy box went at the foot of her own bed. Her dresser was just small enough to fit behind the door, beside my dresser.

The day after that Dylan began moving his stuff into the house. I was sore already from yesterday, so by the end of today, I was completely exhausted. And we weren't even finished!

"So, we have your bed and desk to move tomorrow?" asked Clay, who was reclining on the couch.

"Yes," replied Dylan. "And that's everything. I really do appreciate this, Dad. And, you too, Gwena."

I wave away the thanks. "Don't worry about it. This is what family is for."

⇐O⇒

My body ached so badly when I got out of bed. I groaned in pain as I stretched and tried to loosen my muscles. Rowan was still asleep at the foot of my bed. I adjusted her blanket and quietly exited the room.

Noises from the kitchen told me that people were already awake. Entering the kitchen I saw Clay drinking a coffee at the table and Dylan at the sink.

"Good morning, everybody," I greeted, taking a seat.

"Good morning, Gwena," replied Clay.

Dylan shut off the sink and joined us at the table. "Thanks again for sacrificing Rowan's room for me. I really appreciate it."

I waved off his thanks. "It's what family does. Besides, now Rowan gets to spend more time with her uncle."

Dylan chuckled. "Yeah, I would love to spend more time with her. Anytime you need me to babysit just let me know."