Page 63 of Sterling Clay

“Sounds like a plan.” He leans over and kisses me again, short and quick before settling into the cushions once more.

While I cuddle up against Clayton Everett Sylver, which feels just right to me.

+ + +

Later, I speak with Dutton about my sleeping in Clay’s bedroom, and the conversation goes surprisingly easier than I expected. Dutton bravely states that he can sleep alone with his new friend whom he named Violet.

As Clay and I are tucking Dutton in together, Clay chokes at the suggestion, and I prepare to defend Dutton’s choice.

“She’s one of the other princesses,” Dutton clarifies of the four girls who work together as Power Princesses. Pink. Violet. Azure. Chartreuse.

Clay swallows hard, leaning over Dutton. “Violet was my mother’s name.”

A moment passes between Clay and Dutton, as if some secret understanding occurs. “She was the best woman I knew, next to your mama. And with this special name, I bet this brave bear will have extra powers to keep you brave.”

Dutton’s smile proves he likes that explanation, and he hugs the bear tighter. “Maybe you could read The Sandcastle Princess to me tonight,” Dutton asks Clay.

The book is the same one Dutton and I started when we first arrived at Clay’s home. While I’m slightly stung Dutton wants Clay more than me, I also see the moment for what it is. Dutton trusts Clay. His request is a special offering.

Clay gives me a quick glance, confirming I’m good with the suggestion. When I nod, he says, “Absolutely.”

He takes a seat on the edge of the bed, picks up the book, and flips the bookmark signaling where we stopped. I settle at the foot of the bed and listen as Clay reads, dropping in voice for the dragon or king parts, hitching his voice higher for the princess ones.

After a few pages, Dutton nods off, and Clay glances up at me. I squeeze Dutton’s foot, which flings his lids open. Then, I warn him, “One more page.”

Clay finishes on a cliffhanger-ish spot and marks the page before speaking like an old television announcer. “Tune in next time.”

“That’s what they say on Princess Power.” Dutton shifts his head and glances up at Clay, love emanating from his sleepy gaze.

“Do they?” Clay teases as if he didn’t know. “So how was my reading?”

“I’d give it an eight point seven nine.”

Clay juts out his lower lip. “Sounds like a B-plus.”

“What’s a B-plus?” Dutton’s comment reminds me I need to get him in the local school.

Clay chuckles and shakes his head. “I’ll need to work on my skills.”

“You do that,” Dutton whispers back, his voice sassy but tired.

Clay twists off the bed, sets the book on the nightstand, and then leans over Dutton, running his hand over my little one’s hair that desperately needs a cut. “Sleep tight, buddy.”

Dutton lazily smiles before rolling to his side, his back to Clay.

When Clay steps away, I wrap Dutton in an awkward snuggle with him already on his side, drifting off to sleep.

“I love you, little bear.”

“Love you, mama bear.”

I press a kiss to his head and send up a silent prayer to Cecilia, thanking her again for the blessing of Dutton. As I stand upright, Dutton’s eyes close and then he says, “Love you, too, papa bear.”

I suck in air and turn toward Clay whose eyes go wide before softening. He clears his throat while watching Dutton. “Love you, too, cub.”

We step outside Dutton’s door, leaving it open just a sliver for him, while a nightlight is plugged into a wall outlet as well. We’ve barely made it past the door jamb when I turn toward Clay, pushing him awkwardly up against the wall.

“What the—”