sighed. “Go ahead then.”
Kira reached out and slid the photo from the plastic, closing her eyes to focus on the photo and the memories that flooded her. Oh, it was much worse than he remembered, she realized. Brogan had told her he’d been scolded for reading, but it was much, much worse. Tears sprang unbidden to her eyes as she heard his mother’s rant as she walked through the house, shattering plates on the floor.
You’re lazy. Just like your father. Though we don’t even know who he is, do we now? That man could barely get it up. Just like most men. Worthless creatures, men. All you do is complicate my life. Why don’t you go out and make some actual money instead of burying your head in your books? You’re useless to me. A useless, weak, poor excuse for a man. You’ll never amount to anything, that’s the truth of it.
Her heart cracked for the little boy who ducked his head and only wanted to read his book. This woman had such a precious soul at her disposal and had done her damndest to destroy it. If she wasn’t already dead, Kira would have had a mind to pay her a very unpleasant visit.
“Well, that’s a mood killer, isn’t it?” Brogan said lightly as he put a plate of food in front of her. He sat down across the table from her, his face impassive.
“Brogan, I’m so sorry you lived through this. What a horrible woman. She didn’t break you, though.” Kira reached out with both hands and took his in her own. “She did her best, but she didn’t break you. Your light still shines… oh so brilliantly. I’m so glad you’re you.”
“Gran helped,” Brogan admitted. “It was like she worked feverishly to undo all the awful things I’d hear.”
“I’m glad for it. You didn’t deserve that, Brogan. You were just a child.”
“I understand that. I’ve worked through most of it. Some of it still hits hard at moments.” Brogan shrugged.
“Of course it will. Trauma doesn’t just disappear in a day. Its roots go much deeper.”
He quirked a smile at her. “So much for being your fierce warrior.”
“Oh, Brogan. You’re so much more my fierce warrior now. Not only can you take down a construction thug, but you fought the biggest battle of all – not letting someone change who you are. You stood strong through years of abuse. I’m so proud of you.”
“Jeez, Kira. You’re going to make a blubbering mess of me, you are,” Brogan joked, but Kira could see the sheen of tears that had sprung to his eyes.
“Right, well, let’s eat this scrumptious meal so you can show me your surprise then.” Kira released his hands and dug into her breakfast. They ate in silence for a while, just the wren’s birdsong accompanying them.
After a moment, Brogan looked up.
“Thank you for seeing me.”
Chapter 24
“Should we check on Fergal first?” Brogan asked as they stepped outside the cottage.
It was one of those perfect first days of spring. A few puffy clouds dotted the skies and the sun felt warm and welcoming on her face.
“I’ll admit, it would make me feel better.”
“Me too.” A sheepish grin crossed Brogan’s handsome face. Impulsively, Kira reached out and took his hand.
“Amazing how those little guys have grown on us in such a short time.”
“Aye, but I feel a duty to them. They live on my land – or, I suppose, I live on theirs – and I want to make sure they’re protected. It just kills me how close they were to being hurt yesterday.”
“But they weren’t. We got there in time. Remember, Gracie magicked the area after she healed you. And she said she’s going to work on more protections today. Trust me, one does not mess with Gracie when she’s furious.”
“That makes me feel better.”
“Look!” Kira said as they rounded the bend to the pond. Fergal and Heather scampered about on the shoreline, chasing each other, their furry little bodies moving far faster than Kira would have thought possible. “What are they doing?”
“I think… oh, let’s give them some privacy.” Brogan laughed and tugged her away before the otters saw them.
“Spring is in the air and all that…” Kira laughed. “Oh, I’m glad they aren’t traumatized by yesterday.”
“They don’t look to be, in my estimation.”
“Oh my goddess!” Kira stopped in her tracks and looked up at Brogan.
Concern flashed in his eyes. “What?”
“Baby otters! We’re going to be grandparents!” Kira did a little dance in the dirt.
“I’ll admit,