Sioni was happy to follow along, holding Grace’s hand. What was more, she seemed happy to let him, even when they weren’t crossing the streets. She kept looking up at him, sometimes smiling, sometimes thoughtful. Finally she asked, “Are you really my uncle?”

“No, ferch pert. Just friend of your mami and tadi,” He said. “But if you ever find you need a spare uncle, I’d be happy to take the job, like.”

They arrived at the house, and Sioni followed in as Grace rushed off to grab something out of the sitting room.

"The Nursery is up the stairs, to the left."

“Right you are. Come on, Grace, show me the way, like.”

"The yellow and white room. We've talked some about giving Grace her own room, but."

Sioni nodded. He’d seen the room before, when Grace was the only occupant. “Very pretty,” he said quietly. “Nice wall paper.” He was halfway up the stairs before it struck him that really, he shouldn’t know that.

"You may as Sioni very nicely to read you one short book, while I give Charlie a bath."

“Right you are, ferch pert. You choose, but not too long, or you’ll wear me out. And nothing with big words, see? Not good with big words, me.”

Sioni attempted to settle Grace in her bed, but gave up after she got up to get the fourth toy, and to change the book twice. He could hear Espa and Siarli in the room across the hall, Espa’s voice murmuring softly and Siarli splashing and squealing.

He looked up and smiled as the baby was brought in, and settled.

"It is time to Nap Grace, I don't care what Charlie is doing, you're going to stay in your bed the whole nap alright?"

“Right, Cariad. You heard your mam. If you’re a good girl, I might just come and read to you again.” he glanced up at Esperanza. “That is, if mami will let.” He was fishing a bit, but he’d been surprised to be allowed to come back to the house. Doing a little groundwork for the future wouldn’t hurt.

"Would you like a cup of tea? Or a glass of brandy, or wine if you prefer?"

Sioni stood silent, his eyes wandering over her face. Diawl, she was beautiful. His heart raced just from standing alone with her. He licked his lips and smiled. “All that sounds lovely, Cariad. Though I wouldn’t say no to a glass of beer, if that’s alright. Bit early for brandy, and I’m not a great wine man, like.” He reached out and took her hand.

“Other than that, everything in the world I want is standing in front of me, or asleep in that room, see? Asking for anything more seems greedy, like.” Leaning forward slowly he kissed her, drawing her closer by the hand, and wrapping that arm around his back. “But it isn’t like you don’t know,” He breathed.

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Not Getting Any Younger