The grandfather clock signaled noon as Layla stretched in Aedan’s arm, awakening him with a panicked jolt. Newborns weren’t supposed to go that long without eating.
He scanned his daughter, looking for signs of distress, but her healthy body leisurely stretched, and her big, green eyes alertly gazed. She was fine. Better than fine. Her bright aura sparkled as it swirled around her little body, clearly exuding a sense of calm wonderment.
“Hello, my Layla Love,” he greeted, his voice strained, but filled with a gentle sweetness and serene adoration that came as naturally as breathing. “You slept for a long time.”
At his voice, her mouth formed a little o of surprise, and her hand reached for his face. He kissed her palm then lowered his lips to her soft curls, inhaling her sweet scent. Somehow familiar and brand new all at once, her bouquet was perfectly subtle in its potency, yet incredibly powerful in its objective. As it rushed up his nose and down his throat, peace washed over him, lightening his dreadfully heavy heart for a brief and blessed moment. She smelled of roses and lilacs, with a hint of vanilla.
His heart sighed as he scooped her off the bed and headed for the kitchen, constantly staring at her and talking to her. “You have so many people who love you, baby girl. I hope you’ll get a chance to meet them, once you’re all grown up.”
She responded, and her coo and gurgle were the sweetest sounds he’d ever heard. “You have a very beautiful voice, my angel. Your mommy sounded like an angel, too. Remember? You’d be kicking like crazy, but then your mom would hum her lullaby and you’d quiet right down.”
Layla squirmed, letting out a tiny cry that tugged at his heart. “I know you’re hungry, baby. Daddy’s fixing your bottle right now.”
He looked at the pan of cold water he’d placed on the stove. Then he looked at the empty bottle and the can of formula on the counter. After a moment’s hesitation and a glance around, he waved his empty hand, watching as Layla’s meal prepared itself. When it floated toward him, he held the underside of his wrist out, catching a few drops of warm milk. Then he plucked the bottle from the air.
“There we go, Layla Love. That’s what we call magic. Maybe someday you’ll get to try out your magic, but it’s okay if you don’t, because you’re perfectly magical without it.”
As he entered the living room to get comfortable, the front door slowly opened, and Katherine poked her head in.
Aedan halted, looking up from the tiny toes he’d been counting. “Hi, Katherine.”
“Hey,” she returned, lingering in the doorway. “I don’t want to intrude. I just need to get some coffee.”
Aedan walked over, gently nudging her inside and closing the door. “This is your house, Katherine. You can’t intrude on what’s yours.”
“I know, but I wanted to give you some privacy.”
“You’ve done a lovely job of respecting our privacy,” he commended, moving to the easy chair. “You’ve been a godsend for my family. I can’t thank you enough.”
Katherine blushed, but finally relaxed, moving closer to admire the baby. “Hello, little Layla.”
Aedan set the bottle aside and lifted one of Layla’s hands, giving Katherine a tiny wave. “Say hello to Katherine, my love.”
Katherine smiled and leaned over. “You are the most precious thing I have ever laid eyes on,” she whispered, brushing a curl from Layla’s forehead. Then she kissed it. “Where are your parents, Chris?”
“They left this morning,” Aedan answered, following her gaze to the hallway. “They took Sarah with them.”
“Why didn’t you and Layla go?”
Aedan scanned Katherine’s shocked expression then sighed. “There are some things I need to tell you. Do you have time to talk?”
“Sure. I took the day off when I found out Sarah was in labor.”
Layla gave a tiny cry that stole Aedan’s undivided attention. “I’m sorry, baby,” he soothed, grabbing the bottle as he sat. “You’ve been so patient with your daddy. Here you go.”
For a while he just rocked and admired his baby, listening to every sound and watching every move. When he wondered what it would have been like to watch her nurse at Rhosewen’s breasts—the way it should have been—a pang pierced his bleeding heart. He fought the moisture blurring his vision. He didn’t want anything obstructing his beautiful view.
When Layla was ready for a burp, Aedan moved her to his shoulder, patting her back as he looked at Katherine. “We weren’t completely honest with you,” he revealed. “I’m sure you’ve already figured that out. Like I said, you’ve done a lovely job of respecting our privacy. But that doesn’t make our actions right, and I’m sorry we made you feel like you had to keep your questions and opinions to yourself. We generally don’t live that way, and it was never our intention to make you live that way, but it was necessary. Even now there are things I can’t tell you, and I’m sorry for that as well. I hope you can continue to display the understanding you’ve shown so far.”
He returned Layla to his arm, placing the bottle’s nipple to her eager lips. Then he looked up, finding Katherine confused but listening intently. “We told you our parents live in Florida, but that’s a lie we used to explain their absence. Sarah’s parents really live in Oregon, and she and I had a home there before coming here.” He paused, trying to figure out how to phrase his half-ass confession. “What I’m about to tell you might frighten you, but you’re perfectly safe right now, so try to stay calm.” He searched her face—still confused and curious, but unafraid. “Sarah and I moved to Idaho to hide from a group of . . . people . . . who want to take Layla away.”
“What?” Katherine gasped, clapping a hand over her mouth.
“It isn’t government authorities,” Aedan quickly elaborated, “or anything like that. These . . . people, they’re very dangerous and capable. Sarah and I were capable as well. Until she got sick.”
“I don’t understand,” Katherine objected. “What people?”
“I can’t go into detail, Katherine. I’m sorry. Just know they’re the worst kind of people, and Layla absolutely cannot get anywhere near them. I know this is confusing, but I beg for your patience and understanding.”
“But . . .”
“Please, Katherine, try to trust me.”
Her eyebrows furrowed. Then she purposefully smoothed them. “Okay, I’m listening.”
“Thank you,” Aedan returned, watching Layla eat as he resumed his confession. “We came here because this is one of the last places they would expect us to be. Our plan was for the three of us to hide until it was safe to go home. That’s why our parents stayed away, to keep our location a secret. But the situation has changed. It’s still not safe for Layla to go home—it won’t be for a long time—and now her mom’s gone . . .”
His throat tightened as he squeezed his eyes shut on tears, but one escaped, falling to Layla’s rosy cheek. She stopped sucking and stared at him with wide eyes, her hand grasping at thin air. No, not thin air; his aura. He wondered what it must look like to her.
He tenderly dried her cheek then soberly looked up. “There’s something I have to do, Katherine, somewhere I have to go, and I . . . I won’t be coming back.” He could tell she was confused, but relaying the whole truth would do more harm than good. “I know this must sound insane, but it truly is my only acceptable option.”
“I understand if you need to move,” Katherine offered. “I didn’t expect you and Layla to stay in the garage apartment forever. And I have no problem returning the extra rent money.”
“No,” Aedan refused. “That money’s yours. You’ve earned every penny my mom gave you. Like I said, you’ve been a godsend, and no amount of money can buy that.”
“I don’t know about all that,” she murmured, cheeks flushing.
“I do,” Aedan countered. “You’ve been a blessing too many ways to count.”
“Then why are you moving?” she teased, trying to lighten the mood and divert his attention.
“Well,” he replied, taking a calming breath, “you’ve misunderstood what I’m trying to tell you.”
“You’re not leaving?”
“I am,” he confirmed. Then he cleared his throat, squarely meeting her gaze. “Sarah once told me you can’t carry a baby and that you hope to adopt.” He watched as tumblers began clicking into place. “I know you love Layla, and I know you loved Sarah.” He paused, pulling in another calming breath. Then he exhaled his heartbreaking request. “So I want you to adopt our baby and treat her as Sarah would have if given the chance.”
He observed Katherine’s raised eyebrows, gaping mouth, and frozen posture. Then he looked down, pulling the bottle from Layla’s puckered lips. Once she was on his shoulder, he returned his attention to Katherine, who hadn’t moved an inch.
“I know it’s a big commitment,” he added, “raising a baby by yourself, but I also know you’re capable of making it. You’ll be a fantastic mother. If I didn’t think so, I wouldn’t ask you to keep my Layla Love.”
A long moment of stunned silence passed before Katherine responded. “I don’t have a problem with the commitment, Chris. I have a problem with taking a baby away from her dad. How can you even consider it? I mean, I can help. You’ll be a single dad, but you won’t be alone. You can live in the apartment, and I can be Layla’s Aunt Katherine.”
“It’s not about that,” Aedan cut in. “Being a single father is well within my capabilities. There are few things I want more than to stay with Layla forever.”
“Then stay with her.”
“I can’t,” he breathed, blinking back tears.
Katherine shook her head. “I don’t understand, Chris.”
“I know you don’t,” Aedan conceded.
“Wouldn’t Sarah want you to stay?” Katherine argued.
Aedan pulled Layla from his shoulder and examined her serene face—a mini Rhosewen, just colored different. “Sarah knew my plans, and she understood. She loved you, too, Katherine. I know she wanted you to do this for us.”
Katherine didn’t respond. She merely sat there, staring at the perfect baby in his arms.
“Katherine,” he whispered, “this is something I have to do. I have no other option. I want you to be Layla’s mom, but if you can’t, I’ll find someone else.”
“No!” she blurted, eyes widening. “Please don’t do that. I’ll keep her. I’d hate not knowing where she is or who she’s with.”
“Thank you,” Aedan sighed. “I know she’ll be in good hands with you, but before you commit, there are a few stipulations to consider.” He laid Layla on his chest, and she pulled her knees and arms in, cuddling into him like she belonged there. He closed his eyes, memorizing everything about the moment—the feel of her skin, the smell of her hair, the rise and fall of her tiny torso. Then he looked at Katherine. “Keeping her means you’ll have to change your last name and leave Idaho without telling anyone where you’re going.”
“Change my name?” she whispered.
“Your surname,” he confirmed. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but I’ll pay for everything, so money isn’t an issue.”
“Will we be in danger if we stay?” she asked, finally displaying a hint of fear.
“I don’t expect it,” Aedan answered, “but I want to make sure, and moving will only increase your safety. I’ll buy you a more dependable vehicle and a new home wherever you choose. All I ask is that you stay away from the coastlines—east, west and the gulf—and away from the northern border, particularly the Great Lakes. Is that something you’re willing to do?”
Katherine silently considered his request for over five minutes. By the time she gave her answer, Aedan’s nerves were on fire.
“Yeah,” she agreed. “I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”
“Thank you,” he sighed, but he could never truly express his vast appreciation for the wonderful way she’d handled everything. “Aside from the money I’ll give you for the move, I’ll give you money for Layla. If she needs anything, use it. When she turns eighteen, she can have what’s left.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Katherine countered, but Aedan shook his head.
“Where I’m going, money’s worthless. I want everything I have to go to you and Layla.”
“Oh,” she mumbled, obviously speculating about the underlying meaning of his comment. “Will she ever meet her true family?”
“She has to believe you are her true family,” he insisted. “For now. Once she’s grown, it should be safe enough for her to search out Sarah’s parents. I want her to, if that’s what she wants, but not until she’s matured and finished high school. That’s very important, Katherine. She has to wait. If she starts searching as a child, before she’s grown into the amazing woman she’ll undoubtedly be, her safety could be greatly compromised, so enjoy the next eighteen years with her before exposing her to this heartbreak. Hopefully by then she’ll have the tools she’ll need to deal with whatever comes her way.”
“So I’m to lie to her for eighteen years?” Katherine blanched.
“Yes,” Aedan confirmed. “That’s part of the deal. I can’t risk having her out there as a child, exposing herself to danger, and I don’t want her carrying this burden through adolescence.”
“Oh,” Katherine breathed. “I hadn’t thought about how she might react to the truth.”
“She’ll be hurt,” Aedan predicted, “which is why you need to make sure she’s equipped to handle the news before laying it on her.”
“Yes,” Katherine agreed, but she was lost in thought, probably trying to figure out how she’d break the news.
“For reasons I can’t properly explain,” Aedan went on, pulling her attention back, “we’ve given you false names. I can’t give you the real ones, not even to pass on to Layla, nor can I give you our families’ addresses. I’ll leave you a picture of Sarah and I, and I can tell you we lived somewhere near Portland, Oregon. When Layla’s old enough, hopefully that will help her find her grandparents.”
“That’s it?” Katherine blurted. “How will she ever find them?”
“I know,” he breathed, “it’s pitiful.”
He dropped his gaze to his daughter, searching for a way to safely lead her home. The answer came quickly, and he experienced the first rush of hope he’d had in . . . well, he couldn’t remember.
“There’s a little town on the coast,” he explained. “Cannon Beach. It’s about an hour west of Portland. Sarah and I spent a lot of our free time there, and we always stopped at a place called Cinnia’s Cannon Café. Tell Layla that if she makes it to Oregon, she should try Cinnia’s coffee, because it’s the best there is.”
“Sinya’s Cannon Café?”
“Sin-nee-a,” he corrected. “C-I-N-N-I-A.”
Katherine grabbed a pen and wrote the name on her hand. “Okay, but how is that going to get her anywhere?”
“I don’t know if it will, but it could prove more useful than you think, so don’t leave it out.”
Perplexed, Katherine sighed and nodded her agreement. “When will you leave?”
“That depends. I could leave as early as tonight, but if you need me to help with the move, I’ll stay.”
“Do you need to leave so soon?”
“The sooner I leave, the easier my objective will be. And I assure you, my objective is vital. If I could tell you about it, you’d agree, but you’ll just have to trust me.”
“I do,” she whispered, “and I can handle the move, but you must want to spend more time with Layla before you go.”
“I would spend eternity with my Layla Love if I had the option, but it would be selfish of me to stay longer than necessary. Will you promise to move as soon as you’re able?”
Katherine wracked her brain for a long moment then nodded. “Yes. As long as I have the money to go, I can be gone within a couple of weeks.”
“Thank you,” he replied. “You have no idea how much your sacrifice means to me. What surname will you take?”
“Hmm . . . How about Callaway?”
“Yes,” he approved, raising his eyebrows. “It’s perfect. I’ll have everything gathered by this evening. Then, once I leave, you’ll be Layla Love Callaway’s only family until fate deems otherwise.” He paused, nuzzling his daughter’s curls as he breathed deep. “Promise me one more thing, Katherine.”
“Sure, Chris, anything.”
“Love her more than anyone’s been loved in the history of time. Love her like her mom loved her, like I love her . . .” His throat tightened, strangling his request.
“I promise,” Katherine whispered, wiping away a tear. “She deserves it all.”
“Yes,” he breathed, squeezing his eyes shut, “she does.”
Katherine spent the day running errands, while Aedan spent the day holding Layla, not once laying her down. He needed to use the bathroom, but willed his body to wait. He would let his bladder burst before sacrificing time with his daughter.
When Layla wasn’t eating, Aedan would hold her out in front of him, memorizing her features as he softly spoke. Her eyes widened when he talked about his hopes and dreams for her; her lips puckered when he talked about her mother; and when he sang Rhosewen’s favorite lullaby, Layla’s eyelids grew heavy, closing the curtains on shiny emeralds.
In reverent wonder, Aedan watched every bittersweet second, in awe of her purity and flawless beauty. His heart soared, riding high atop the wind that was the miracle in his arms. But as it soared, it bled, irreparable gashes splitting further each second he looked at her. He embraced the pain, knowing it wouldn’t ease until his heart stopped beating altogether. And he wouldn’t sacrifice these moments for anything in the world, let alone a temporary dose of relief.
Determined to devote himself to Layla when she woke, Aedan spent her nap getting things ready for his departure. He called a local bank and a few government officials, using a clever combination of mind magic and charm to trick the system. Then he used one hand to magically prepare official documents for Katherine and Layla Callaway.
It seemed time had been cursed to quicken, and Aedan sighed heavily and so sadly when the clocks struck nine. He wondered how he was managing to put one foot in front of the other, but then Rhosewen’s face appeared in his mind’s eye as he looked at Layla, and his dread warped into determination. The heartache, however, strengthened. He could only hope his anguish would work to his advantage once he found the Unforgivables.
He entered the living room to find Katherine waiting for him, so he soberly led her to the coffee table. “I opened a bank account under your new name,” he said, passing over a folded piece of paper. “The funds will be available by tomorrow, and everything’s in order with the bank personnel, so there won’t be any red tape, paperwork or explanations to deal with.”
Katherine unfolded the paper and straightened her glasses. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “That’s . . . that’s a lot of money.”
“That’s your money,” he insisted. “Yours and Layla’s. I want you to use it for everything you guys need. A car and a house, and all the things Layla will need growing up. Neither of you should ever go without. And I want you to have fun, so don’t save all of it. Splurge once and while.”
Katherine nodded her agreement, eyes wide and watery, and Aedan scanned her face and aura, making sure she was absorbing everything.
“I’ve prepared the necessary documents,” he went on, retrieving an envelope from the table. “Birth certificates, social security cards, a driver’s license, and they’re valid with the government, so don’t hesitate to use them.”
“How did you . . .” she mumbled, but then she shook her head. “Never mind.”
She took the envelope and glanced over its contents, halting when she got to the birth certificate listing Katherine Anne Callaway as Layla Love Callaway’s only parent.
“Here’s the picture of Sarah and I,” Aedan said, holding out the photograph. “It was taken on our wedding day.”
Katherine slipped the birth certificate back into the envelope then took the photo. “Wow,” she whispered. “Sarah looks like a Greek goddess. You’re both so beautiful.”
“Sarah made everything more beautiful than it was before,” Aedan agreed, staring longingly at the mere memory of his Rose.
Katherine looked up, and Aedan cleared a lump from his throat. “Don’t show that picture to anyone,” he instructed. “It’s for Layla’s eyes only. If she chooses to search for Sarah’s parents, she should be very selective about who she shows it to. It could lead her to her grandparents, but it could also lead her to danger.”
Stunned by the turn of events, Katherine merely nodded.
“I know this is overwhelming,” Aedan sympathized, “but you’re handling everything great. I can’t imagine a more perfect person to set this on.”
Katherine silently nodded again, and Aedan squeezed her shoulder. “Remember, if Layla wants to find Sarah’s parents, she’ll need to start near Portland, Oregon.”
“I’ll remember,” Katherine assured. “Portland, Oregon, and she should check out the coffee at Cinnia’s Cannon Café in the coastal town of Cannon Beach.”
“Yes,” he confirmed. “Cinnia’s may be the most useful tip I’ve given you. Furthermore, Cannon Beach is a safe area. Her odds of finding danger there are low.” He looked at Layla, and Layla looked at him. “I know it’s pitiful, but that’s the best I can do for her. Please take care of her in the meantime. It’s my sincerest hope that the two of you will share a life of happiness and love.”
“Are you sure you have to leave, Chris?”
“Yes. It’s what’s best for Layla.”
Katherine sighed as she straightened her glasses with a shaky hand. “Well, if you can come back, or if you change your mind, I’m pretty sure we’ll be in Oklahoma. I’ve wanted to visit since I saw the musical, and it’s about as far from the coasts as you can get.”
“Thank you for doing this, Katherine. I know it’s a sacrifice.”
“No, Chris. The sacrifice is yours. I’d move a million times for Layla.”
Aedan sadly nodded as he looked at his baby. “May I have a moment alone with her?”
“Of course,” Katherine agreed. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”
She left the room, and Aedan sat on the couch, holding Layla out in front of him. He closed his eyes, making sure he had every part of her memorized. From her corkscrew curls to her teeny toes, she was as perfect in his mind as she was in his arms.
He raised his burning lids, fighting the tears misting his vision. “You’re so beautiful and special,” he whispered, lowering his face closer to hers. “And I’m so sorry I have to leave you, but it’s what’s best for you. Hopefully you’ll understand when it’s time to learn the truth.” He swallowed, trying to loosen his throat, but it didn’t work, and he nearly gagged as he continued. “I know you won’t remember this, and that’s okay. I just want you to hear it. At least once. Your mommy’s name was Rhosewen Keely Donnelly. I liked to call her my Rose. She was so beautiful, Layla, and she loved you so much. I wish things had been different. Then we could have stayed with you forever. That’s what we wanted, what we dreamed about from the moment we met, and it breaks my heart that we’re not getting it. But you’ll be safe with Katherine. She’s your mommy now, and she’ll take good care of you, because she loves you very much.” He softly kissed her button nose. “I have to leave, baby, but you’ll always be in my heart.” He kissed her wrinkled forehead. “Hopefully, someday, you’ll know who I was.” He kissed her rosy cheeks. “I’m Aedan Dagda Donnelly, your daddy, and I love you more than life itself.” He pulled her to his chest, freely weeping into soft spirals. “Be safe, Layla Love, and find us when you can.”
The pain was horrendous, but the love was pure, and he cried into her curls for an hour before forcing himself to his feet.
He sluggishly made his way to the kitchen, constantly kissing her petite palm. Then he held his breath as he passed her to Katherine. “Keep her safe,” he whispered.
“I promise,” Katherine vowed, shedding salty rivers.
“Thank you, Katherine. For everything. From beginning to end.”
She solemnly nodded. “Goodbye, Chris.”
Aedan looked at his daughter once more, slowly running a finger across her cherub cheek. Then he dropped his hand and turned away, reluctantly leaving her for the first and last time.