Chapter 69

Aria's POV

Kira turned one on a bright spring morning.

We held a small celebration with close friends and family. Beth brought a handmade toy. Rosa gave her a set of wooden blocks. Cole gifted her a small training sword that made Drogo laugh and me roll my eyes.

"She's one, Cole. Not exactly ready for combat training."

"Never too early to start," he insisted. "Just a symbolic gesture."

Kira ignored all the gifts and played with the wrapping instead. Typical.

Looking at her surrounded by people who cared about her, I felt grateful. A year ago I'd been terrified about becoming a mother. Now I couldn't imagine...