The Servant

by B. C. Burgess

  “Don’t you need to use the bathroom?” he asked.

  “I can hold it,” she insisted.

  He laughed and led her toward the hallway. “Remember, if you don’t like the new arrangement, I can put it all back the way it was.”

  She didn’t respond, unwilling to commit without knowing what he’d done, and the closer they got to the stairs leading to the second level, the higher her temperature climbed. She opened her mouth to blab an objection, but before she could get it out, he halted and motioned toward the wall at the end of the corridor. Layla blinked as the baseboard and crown molding blurred. Then they disappeared altogether, taking the wall with them to reveal a new door.

  “This part has been built for a couple of weeks,” Quin explained. “Your grandparents and I kept it hidden behind spells.”

  “But we’re at the end of the house.”

  “I got Brietta and Banning’s permission to expand. There was nothing but grass between us.”

  “I guess there isn’t… wasn’t. Weird. And you’ve been hiding an entire addition with magic for weeks?”

  “Yes. The grotto has been there for a while, too. And I redecorated the hallway bathroom a month ago. You never go in there, but if you’d tried, you would have found it sealed.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Look for yourself.”

  He magically opened the bathroom door, and Layla backtracked to peek inside. Sure enough, he’d updated everything – the vanity, shower, toilet, light fixtures, floor and paint – and he’d given it a more masculine vibe. But it was the same size it had always been, and it wasn’t as personalized or unique as the master bathroom.

  “It’s nice,” she approved. “But you’re right. I can’t remember the last time I was in there. You use it more than I do.”

  “That’s why I kept it simple.”

  “Why redo it at all? Everything worked, and it looked fine.”

  The corners of his lips twitched, as if she’d asked a silly question and he was struggling not to laugh at her.

  “What’s so funny?” she urged.

  “Who do you think you live with?” he countered. “This was my career, Layla. I’ve been redecorating my bedroom every few years since I was eight; and my dad sold my first design when I was ten. I’m good at it, I like doing it, and I wanted to add a touch of us to the foundation your parents left behind. It took me half an hour to plan the changes in the spare bathroom. I did it while sitting next to you in the turret room. And once my parents brought me the materials, it took me about an hour to put it together. Benz and I did it while you were painting with Morrigan. It wasn’t hard.”

  “It was fun,” Benzio chimed in. “I got to help change the color of the wall.”

  “You were a big help,” Quin agreed, but he flashed Layla a humored look that told her Benzio’s work had to be retouched.

  She quietly laughed and acknowledged Benzio’s proud smile. “You and Quin did a wonderful job. I bet you’ll get to help even more if you keep practicing.”

  “You’ll get some practice in here,” Quin added, nodding toward the new door. “The walls are still white. Ready to see your new room?”

  “Yeah,” Benzio cheered, jumping up and down, but then he came to a sudden halt. “Does… does this mean I can’t sleep in your room anymore?”

  The sad question tugged a pucker from Layla, who looked to Quin, wondering what he intended when he built the new room.

  “Not yet,” he answered, “but soon, once you’re comfortable in here. I’ll help you make it your own. We’ll decorate a special spot just for you so you’ll want to spend time there. Then you can try sleeping there and see how it goes.”

  “Okay,” Benzio agreed, pleased he didn’t have to take immediate action. “May I open the door?”

  “Go for it.”

  Benzio vibrated while wrapping two small hands around the silver knob and twisting with his entire upper body. Then he flung open the door and charged into the room.

  “Whoa…” he breathed, stumbling to a standstill.

  Quin laughed, and Layla curiously followed Benzio into the room. “Whoa…” she repeated, pausing next to the toddler.

  His frozen calm shattered, and he leapt and danced as his brain worked faster than his mouth, resulting in incoherent ramblings. Something about so big, lots of fun, and his special place. Then he started running around like he’d been drinking coffee since dawn.

  Layla cringed, knowing his rowdiness would eventually lead to a fall, but the room was big enough he probably wouldn’t hit anything harder than the floor.

  “We know he likes it,” Quin laughed, taking Benzio’s spot next to Layla. “What do you think?”

  “It’s huge. It’s twice as big as our room.”

  “Pretty close, but this isn’t all of it.”

  Layla had been admiring a reading nook tucked into bay windows facing the front lawn. Now she slid her gaze to a high ceiling, its peak level with the turret room, but the ceiling right above her was average height. Moving further inside, she turned toward the windowless wall and found a finished loft.

  Benzio halted his crazy race long enough to follow Layla’s stare. “What will go up there?”

  “I don’t know yet,” Quin answered. “But when you and the triplets get older, we’ll add stairs and make it into something. Want to see another surprise?”

  “Yeah!”

  “Stay close to us.”

  Benzio moved closer to Quin, who intently stared at the center of the room, compelling Layla to follow his gaze. Several confusing seconds later, a square section of the floor disappeared, and Layla jolted before laughing at herself. She took Benzio’s hand while moving closer to the gap, and they both gawked at a wide spiral staircase leading to an underground level.

  “What’s down there?” Benzio asked.

  “More room,” Quin answered. “Go look at it.”

  Layla instructed Benzio to hold onto the wooden railing. Then she kept a close eye on him while carrying Farrow downstairs. The lower level was as big as the room above it, carpeted and painted white, and the lighting was perfect for an underground space, giving it a natural glow despite the lack of windows.

  Quin followed them down while explaining his intentions. “We won’t use this yet, but once we can trust all four of them on the stairs, we’ll open it up and do something fun with it. I’ve left enough space we can eventually section off four bedrooms and two bathrooms, and still have an area for them to play together without invading each other’s privacy.”

  “Like a suite,” Layla realized.

  “Exactly,” Quin answered. “But for now, we’ll block the stairs and loft and keep the main level open for them to share. We have all the room we need for them to grow without sacrificing the guestroom and library.”

  Benzio was running around again, so Layla left him to it and turned toward Quin. “It’s absolutely perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing you’ve done.”

  Not only was she blown away by his talent and resourcefulness, she was beyond touched by his thoughtfulness, the fact that he took her feelings into consideration every step he took in his remodeling.

  She blinked back moisture and swallowed a lump. “Thank you. I can’t imagine a better Christmas present.”

  He sighed and smiled, leaning in for a kiss just when she wished he would. “I’m glad you approve.”

  “To say I approve is putting it lightly. You amaze me.”

  “Then I’m on the right track.”

  “You don’t derail,” she laughed. “Are there any more new and improved rooms for me to see?”

  He averted his gaze and started up the stairs. “Come on, Benz. Let’s go get breakfast.”

  “You didn’t,” Layla mumbled, waiting for the toddler to climb ahead of her. “The kitchen?”

  Quin’s silence might as well have been confirmation, but Layla couldn’t believe he’d found time to redecorate the kitchen until she saw it with her own eyes. He’d updat
ed the countertops, cabinets and lighting; added his own artistic touch to the backsplash; repainted; switched the wooden backdoor with glass double-doors; added more windows; raised the ceiling over the dining table; replaced the chandelier; and installed a wood-burning stove in the corner. He’d somehow married modern décor with timeless classics, and her kitchen felt cozier and more spacious than ever.

  “It’s gorgeous,” she approved, relieved he’d kept the table her dad built. “When did you remodel this one?”

  Quin moved to the counter and summoned ingredients from the fridge. “A couple of days ago.”

  “Shows how much I step into the kitchen.”

  “You know, I thought it would be easy to keep you out of here, but going through with it made me realize that’s not the case. I lost count how many times I had to intercept you.”

  “You’re sneaky,” she teased, summoning a crib for the triplets. “We should ask Aradia to join us.”

  “She isn’t here.”

  Layla reigned in her shock long enough to lay Farrow down. Then she straightened and pressed for more information. “What do you mean?”

  “Exactly what I said.”

  “Then where is she?”

  “I don’t know, but I have a theory.”

  “Banning’s?”

  “Where else?”

  “You think she stayed the night with him?”

  Quin settled Lilyana and Kaedan next to Farrow. Then he summoned a children’s book and passed it to Benzio. “Show them the pictures.”

  Benzio was happy to oblige, so Quin left him to it and guided Layla to the counter. “I’m assuming she stayed with Bann, because she didn’t come home. Would you like me to mind search him and ask?”

  “I don’t know. Do you think that’s crossing a line? I don’t want her to feel like she has to check in.”

  His gaze unfocused, his hands separating ingredients with ease despite his brain’s preoccupation with a mind search. Then he smiled at Layla. “She’ll never know.”

  “That was Banning?”

  “Yeah. He and Keg are cooking breakfast.”

  “Hmm…” Layla tapped a toe on the floor and drummed her fingernails on the counter, hoping Aradia was ready for the situation she’d gotten herself into.

  “She’s fine,” Quin assured, laying a hand over hers. “I don’t know what has or hasn’t happened, but I do know Banning’s not a threat to her safety. He’ll go the distance to make sure she’s comfortable with every step they take, not only because that’s how he wants it, but because he’ll have to answer to the entire coven if he does it any other way.”

  “I guess you’re right.”

  “You know I am. Bann would rather take a vow of celibacy than face the wrath of an angel, so no more worrying.”

  “No more worrying,” she repeated, determined to follow through. “Are we making pancakes?”

  “Yep.”

  “Where’s your meat?”

  He smirked. “Are you going to warm it up?”

  She laughed and rolled her eyes. “I set that one up, didn’t I?”

  He gave a nod while handing her a plate of bacon. “Here, you take care of my meat while I make your pancakes.”

  She obeyed, but he didn’t just make pancakes. He made the fanciest pancakes she’d ever seen, adding everything from blueberries to chocolate chips to coffee and cocoa; and he’d piled the table with toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, peanut butter and jam. Benzio had a blast decorating his own stack of pancakes, and since Layla and Quin had magic to assist with cleaning, they let the toddler play to his heart’s content.

  With half his plate still full, he leaned back and patted his round belly, leaving a sticky handprint on his pajamas. “May we have that for breakfast every morning?”

  “No,” Layla laughed. “This is more like dessert and should be saved for special occasions.”

  “Like Christmas?”

  “Yep.”

  “May we open gifts now?”

  “Not with those messy hands.”

  “I’ll wash them,” he offered, sliding from his seat.

  Layla watched him stroll around the table and out of the kitchen, undoubtedly heading for the master bathroom. Then she laughed while rising from her chair. “He’s getting independent.”

  “It’s proof he feels at home,” Quin noted. “He’s adjusting.”

  “He’s probably leaving pancake toppings on everything he touches. I better go help him. Meet me by the Christmas tree?”

  He turned his head, welcoming her kiss. “Our litter and I will be there.”

  Once Layla got Benzio clean and dressed him in his handsome Christmas outfit, he ran toward the living room, more enthused about giving presents than getting them.

  Layla followed to find Quin on the couch, his lap full of babies and Arabella at his side, and Benzio was already kneeling by the tree, digging out the presents he’d made with the help of his grandmas.

  His own gifts were left untouched as he pinpointed Lilyana’s package and carried it to the couch. “Ladies first,” he proclaimed, showing her the sparkly, pink wrapping paper.

  Layla’s heart swelled with pride as she sat next to Quin and gathered their daughter from his lap. “We’ll have to help her open it.”

  Lilyana sucked on her fist until Benzio once again put the shiny gift in her line of sight, but instead of slapping the present, she reached for him. He responded by sweetly kissing her palm. Then Layla used one hand to help him tear away the paper.

  Since Lilyana was too young to react, Layla oohed and awwed as they revealed a soft blanket. The edges were embroidered with words Benzio used to describe his sister, and the center was decorated with pictures he’d drawn for her. He’d done the same for his brothers. Then Daleen and Cordelia transferred his artwork onto blankets while he worked with Morrigan to make a new crib mobile.

  “It’s soft,” he told Lilyana, sweeping the blanket across her cheek.

  She gurgled while studying his face, but she showed no interest in the blanket, so Layla offered her own praise before suggesting Benzio help the boys open their gifts. They were as enthused about the blankets as Lilyana, but Benzio finally got a reaction with his mobile, which was decorated with bold colors and played one of Morrigan’s piano compositions.

  Quin suspended the mobile from the ceiling before placing the triplets beneath it, and Benzio beamed while watching them reach for the rotating shapes. “They like it.”

  Layla picked up Arabella and summoned her Christmas outfit. “Of course they like it. It’s a beautiful and thoughtful gift.” After wiggling Arabella’s paws into the sleeves and securing a red bow between her ears, Layla laughed and turned her toward Quin and Benzio. “Look at this.”

  Quin smiled, and Benzio burst into giggles, making Layla’s grin widen. She turned Arabella back around and raised an eyebrow. “She doesn’t look enthused. Let’s see if she’ll walk in it.”

  The dog’s first few steps were awkward as she nosed at the material around her front legs. Then she shook, but she wasn’t clawing or biting the gown.

  “She needs a distraction,” Quin suggested. “Give her the present you got her, Benz.”

  Benzio grabbed another gift. Then he sat near Arabella and tore wrapping paper from a new chew toy. He had to stick it right in front of her face to get her to stop messing with her dress, but once she had the toy in her teeth, she carried it to a corner, forgetting she was clothed.

  “Success,” Layla approved. “Good job, Benz. You’re an excellent gift giver.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Would you like to open some of your presents now?”

  He clapped and bounced. “Yes!”

  Leaving the triplets to gaze at their mobile, Quin gathered a few fun and lighthearted gifts. Then he placed them in front of Benzio before sitting next to Layla. She cuddled into his side, and he summoned another cup of coffee for them to share while watching Benzio tear through wrapping paper.
His excitement was adorable, and he celebrated every gift like it was the best gift, hugging his new books, digging into his arts and crafts kit, intently examining the puzzles, and insisting they immediately play his memory game.

  When his attention started drifting, Layla summoned three more gifts to the sofa. “Let’s open a few more. These are things with sentimental value. Do you know what that means?”

  Benzio shook his head, his rapt attention on the largest gift.

  “I’ll explain,” Layla offered. “If something has sentimental value it’s special for the way it makes you feel, not for what it does. Like the blankets you made the triplets. You put a lot of effort and thought into those, and when the triplets are older, they’ll know you worked hard on them, and it will make them feel special to know you love them enough to draw pictures for them.”

  Benzio’s face and aura brightened with understanding. “That’s why I did it.”

  “Exactly. Some of the best gifts we get and give aren’t things to be played with, but things that remind us of someone we love while letting us know they love us back. These three presents aren’t toys, but they’re special because they have sentimental value.”

  His eyes widened. “Did you draw me a picture?”

  “Kind of. Here, let’s start with the big one.”

  Layla scooted forward and retrieved the biggest package, balancing it in front of Benzio as she tore wrapping paper from the back. “Grab this piece and pull,” she instructed. Then she held her breath as he obeyed, revealing the portrait of his birth parents.

  He stilled, his features solemn as his shiny gaze flipped between Jacinda and Zio then to the image of himself. The wrapping paper fell from his hand, and his bottom lip quivered as he stepped closer, his fingers twitching toward the portrait.

  Layla released the breath she’d been holding, mad at herself for not planning something comforting to say. She’d had enough sense to know unveiling the portrait would be emotional for Benzio, but not enough sense to practice soothing those emotions.

  “They’re beautiful,” Quin offered, breaking the weighty silence.