Treasured

5)

Fletcher

Wren Daily was unbelievably adorable. From the moment I first laid eyes on him I wanted nothing more than to kiss his pretty pink lips. As he sat there on the counter like a little kid, I couldn't resist the urge to tousle his nearly white hair.

He was seriously like a miniature angel. His hair looked soft and curled down to his shoulders and it was so light I mistook it for white until the sun shone on it. His eyes were a stunning blue violet that changed with his clothing choice and his emotions. His face had soft, childlike features that were expressive and dare I say, cute. His chin was a bit on the weak side, but it only made his lips and nose look more delicate. His body was also tiny, nearly as small as a woman. He was shorter than Robin who was only 5' 5", by at least three inches, and his frame was so tiny it couldn't be healthy.

Still, Wren was the cutest little thing I'd ever seen. In fact, the previous night he was all any of us could talk about after Mr. Edward took him upstairs.

Branson was even intrigued which was a miracle, and Robin was already getting possessive over him. Orion was curious as to his backstory, and Cedar could only think about his tiny hands. June was usually reserved, but even he admitted that his blood boiled when the little angel was around.

Cedar was lucky enough to stand by Wren while they worked. Wren slightly swayed his feet back and forth in the air, locking them at the ankles while he sorted through the basket. His face looked serene and content as Cedar rambled on about his adventure with Orion the day before when they went berry picking. I snuck glances as often as I could between runs. I was kind of like the errand boy, running back and forth to get utensils, ingredients, water, or whatever else was needed for the different cooks.

I swore everything stopped in the kitchen when a shy little giggle slipped out of Wren's mouth. It was the genuine, pure sound of joy and harmony.

His smile was indescribable. It made my heart ache in the best way as he showed off his pearly white teeth. The glow on his face was simply otherworldly and I couldn't breathe for the honesty I found in it. His cheeks were slightly flushed, contrasting with the milky white of his throat, and one innocent ringlet fell across his face to complete the picture.

"We're ready," Robin announced, breaking my moment. "Mr. Edward is coming soon, so hurry!"

As if on cue, Branson, Cedar, and June all finished within seconds of each other. June had made chicken and dumplings, Branson had added some vegetables from the garden, Cedar had made a pie crust, presumably for the berries, and Sal had creamed some corn, pulled out some baked potatoes and scrounged up some butter.

Once Cedar had crimped the edges of his pie together and set it in the oven, he grabbed the bowl of rinsed berries and helped Sal with the creamed corn. I flew over to Wren since I had a hunch jumping even the foot between him and the floor would cause him excruciating pain.

"May I help you down?" I requested, extending my arms so he could grab me.

He peeked through his hair with a shy little look that had my heart melting. The next moment, his fragile little arms wrapped around my neck in an act of faith. I carefully scooped him off on the counter focusing on not hurting his leg. Before I could place him on the ground, he buried his face in my neck and melted into me.

I suddenly realized how cold his skin felt against my own. A shiver traveled through his body at my heat, and a frown turned my smile upside down.

"Are you cold? I can run upstairs and get you a warmer coat if you want. It won't take long."

Wren shook his head with a sigh, and squirmed to make me put him down. I was far from comfortable with his decision, but I knew I had to respect it. Wren was his own man who was capable of making his own choices.