Sorry

epilouge

abia kamin

Using a small cup, I carefully poured water onto her hair. She squirmed in my arms as she splashed her bath toys around. Her and I rarely take baths together, but tonight felt like the perfect night to do so.

"Are you excited for uncle Damon and aunt Luna?" I lathered her hair in shampoo and carefully massaged her hair with my fingers. It was now long enough for two pigtails which had become her new favourite hairstyle.

My siblings with the exception of Jemmy were arriving today. Isabelle and Rowan were too and I was excited for the house to be in a cheery mood. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. This would be the first Christmas spent all together. Last year Hadlee and Renai visited—a nice surprise for me but Mateo hated it. Hadlee and Rowan had a nasty breakup that left awkward tension. I was sad they weren't going to make it this year since Rowan was coming.

But this Christmas would be great. Luna learned some turkey recipe that she insisted on trying out. That forced Mateo to leave the house and go in search of a turkey. With Christmas being two days away, the odds were not in his favour.

When we finished our bath, I applied lotion on her before we both changed. Dragging her down the stairs, the front door opened and I could hear voices before I saw people.

"If you fuck this turkey up, I am going to be pissed beyond words, Luna. I fought an elderly woman for this. It was the last one," Mateo's voice lingered into the house. He sounded serious yet what came after was laughter. I love hearing him laugh. It used to be something he only did with me, but now he shared it with those close and it makes me happy knowing he's happy.

"I would pay good money to see that. My brother fighting for a turkey of all things," Isabelle pulled her suitcase through the house until she arrived in the kitchen. Her eyes rested on me then down to who held my hand. Her eyes used be cold and intense. Now they were warm and playful. The last time I saw her was back home when we were all leaving. She's never found time to visit like the others. "Well, hello little one. Aren't you just the cutest little thing? And to think, you're all witches seem to rave about," she knelt down.

She was not wrong. Rowan kept us informed that the witches went into a spiral after we disappeared. Despite not knowing Mateo is the father, they're persistent on having their heretic baby to themselves. Soleil is seen as property of the coven that was wrongfully stolen.

Her small hands got a hold of my leg that she now hid behind. Isabelle frowned when she broke into a loud cry from fear.

"She's not used to meeting new adults. She'll warm up to you," I shared a warming smile. Isabelle won't ever admit it, but she's always wanted kids. It breaks my heart that it's not something she'll ever experience for herself.

"She doesn't bite, princess," Mateo placed the large turkey on the island then picked Soleil up to stop her crying. She clung onto him, hiding her head in his shoulder.

"I am not leaving until she loves me which she will," she poked Soleil's cheek before she could turn her head to the other way.

"How was your flight?" I questioned.

"Terrible. She suddenly has this irrational fear of planes and she almost made us drive here," Damon stumbled into the house with his hands full of luggage. They were all only staying for five days but they packed like they were moving in. I suppose that was Isabelle's doing. "And can I get some help here? I'm not the only one with super strength," he looked at Mateo for assistance.

"Mateo isn't your chauffeur, Damon. You'll do fine on your own," I squealed at Luna entering the house. She dropped her bags to engulf me in a hug. Her and Rowan visit the most. They were both here for my birth and were helpful in my recovery. She was here for thanksgiving but it felt like forever ago. "You look nice. I like your hair." It was in knotless box braids that ended at her waist.