Destined

Chapter Six

Oisín

The first thing I noticed when I walked into the kitchen was that she wasn't wearing her wedding ring. It upset me, of course, since I wore mine like it was my religion. I'd never take it off.

Hell, I wanted to be fucking buried in it.

It was a token of my loyalty, love, and dedication to this woman. Her eyes fell to where I was staring, at her ring finger, and as if feeling disappointed with herself, she placed her hands behind her back. I hated that she wasn't wearing it.

I really did, but I wasn't going to force her. I wanted her to want to be mine, to want to show off that she belonged to me, and I'd wait. I waited this long, and I could wait a little longer.

"Daid!"

Aofie's voice called out, and Elena blinked her eyes once she heard my daughter's voice. She stumbled away from me and forced some distance between us. I fixed my suit and ran my fingers through my hair, and despite her trying to hide it, Elena's eyes followed my every movement.

"I'm in the kitchen, mo chailín milis."

Aofie walked into the kitchen with Fiona hot on her trail, and once she got to me, I picked her up in my arms. She was in her princess pajamas, and Fiona brushed and braided her hair.

"Did you take a shower?" I asked, reaching for her hand.

"I did. All by myself." She nodded her head, and I kissed the top of her hand.

Fiona disappeared into the kitchen and began plating and setting up the dinner table, and that's when Elena caught Aofie's attention.

"Elena!"

I set her down, and she ran toward Elena.

Elena smiled and bent down with wide arms. "Hi, cara mia."

It was an endearment that she used on Aofie from her bakery days, and I cherished how tender my wife was with my daughter. She greeted her and wrapped her arms around my daughter. I took care of my daughter, and I love her more than the entire world combined.

But there was something about having a mother, a maternal figure in your life. I wanted Elena to be that for her, to be there for her in ways I knew I couldn't be. Aofie was jumping up and down in excitement, and Elena laughed and ran her fingers over her face.

"Are you surprised, cara mia?" Elena asked.

"I am. I'm happy." Aofie chirped, and my heart constricted at the sight.

Elena ran her fingers over her cheeks and pulled her in for a hug. She kissed the top of her head and stood up to grab her hand.

"Want to sit next to me?"

"Yes, please."

She swung their hands back and forth, causing Aofie to giggle as Elena led her to the dining room. My heart felt so full, and I don't think I've ever been happier. I followed them and watched Elena help Aofie get in the chair and sit beside her.

I sat on the chair beside Elena, but she didn't indicate that she was annoyed, or maybe she didn't want to react horribly in front of Aofie. The dining table was filled with various meals, and Elena's stomach growled, causing her to blush in embarrassment.

I don't know why she was embarrassed. It was normal to be hungry. I didn't know she was this hungry, or else I would have had Fiona prepare dinner earlier. I held the back of her chair and leaned closer to her.

She was chewing on that sexy bottom lip again, and I swear I was more than tempted to lean down and tug it between my teeth to see what the hype was about.