Chapter 167

Chapter 167
{Lisa’s POV}

Heri’s voice rang out before the movie could really take hold. “Lisa! Lisa! Look what I madeeee.”

I turned just as the door creaked open and there she was, holding a piece of paper in her small hands, her grin wide enough to light the whole room.

She had grown so much since coming home with us. In that time, we came to see the girl Heritage for who she really was. An expressive child. Not some stoic woman in a child's body. It was heartwarming to see how quickly she opened up.

She went from being quiet most of the time to always addressing us as Mr. And Mrs. And them actually calling us by our names.

‘Awwwwww.’

The paper looked wrinkled from the way she had clutched it all the way from her room, but her excitement made it look like treasure.

She clambered onto the bed without hesitation, wedging herself right between Ronan and me. “It’s us,” she announced proudly, flipping the drawing around so we could see.

I leaned forward, instantly warmed by what she had done. She had drawn all three of us together, with Ronan looking ridiculously tall and me with a rounded belly bigger than the rest of my body. Little Heri stood between us, her arms stretched as if she was holding us both together.

“That’s… perfect,” I said, my voice catching just a little.

Ronan squinted at the paper and smirked. “Hold on. Why is my head shaped like a block?”

“Because your head is big!” Heri shot back without missing a beat.

I burst into laughter and nearly dropped the drawing. “She’s not wrong.”

“Traitor,” Ronan muttered playfully, crossing his arms in mock offense.

Heri giggled and curled closer into me. “I made it yesterday when I got him. I wanted to give it to you because you’ve been sick.”

My heart tightened, and I kissed the top of her hair. “Thank you, sweetheart. I love it. I’ll put it right by my bed so I can look at it every morning.”

She beamed as if I’d hung her drawing in an art museum. Which we might end up having to do some day with how good she is.

Ronan leaned over, tickling her side. “Alright, munchkin, you’ve had your moment. Now scoot. Lisa and I were watching something very important.”

Heri gasped dramatically, pulling away from him. “Important? More important than me?” She slid off the bed and crossed her arms, chin tilted high. “Fine. I’ll just go then.”

“Wait, wait!” I called, laughing. “Get back here.”

She turned with a pout, but her eyes sparkled. Ronan grinned, scooped her back onto the bed, and she shrieked with laughter. “You two are impossible,” I said, shaking my head.

Ronan sat back, a mischievous glint in his gaze. “Alright, I’ll go get us more snacks. Then we’ll have a proper movie night.”

I eyed him suspiciously. “Snacks? Or are you sneaking off to bury yourself in work again?”

He raised a hand in mock oath. “Snacks. Only snacks. Nothing but snacks.”

A mischievous glint crossed his eyes as he continued. “I'm offended you think I'd lie to you, Lisa. Heri, how should I punish Lisa?”

Heri smiled but shook her head, as if to say. “No, don't.”

I narrowed my eyes, not convinced, but before I could press, Heri tugged on my sleeve. “Lisa, do you think my drawing makes him look handsome?”

The question caught me so off guard I almost choked on my own breath. Ronan chuckled, clearly amused, and slipped out before I could retaliate. I turned to Heri, face red, and forced a smile. “Yes, very handsome.”

She grinned smugly as if she had uncovered a secret, then settled back against me.

Her constant chatter drowned out my worry about Ronan’s work. For a little while, it felt light again.

Hours blurred together. The movie turned to multiple, and faded into the background, snacks were eaten, and laughter bounced against the walls. The day melted into night before I realized it.

‘That was fun.’ I mused. Stretching ever so slightly.

The knock at the door came soft, followed by a smaller figure peeking in.

“Oh, she's here.”

A girl stepped into the room, hesitant at first, her hair brushed neatly behind her ears.

“Heri,” I said gently, “this is Anya. Damon’s niece.”

Heri blinked, curious, tilting her head. “I’ve never met her before.”

“That’s because you’re usually busy drawing,” I teased.

Anya smiled, happy to see me. She clutched  a notebook in her hand as she waved with the other. “Hiii.”

I watched them for a moment, then clapped my hands together with a sudden thought. “Since you love drawing, Heri, and Anya here loves writing, I’m giving you both a mission.”

Both girls perked up instantly. “What mission?”

“You two have to work together to make me a story. Anya writes it, Heri illustrates it. When you’re done, there’ll be a reward.”

The room erupted with excited chatter. Anya grabbed Heri's hand and tugged her toward the door. “Come on! Show me where we'll start.”

I smiled at the sight of them running off, their voices already overlapping with plans. For a rare moment, peace wrapped around me, fragile and precious.

But peace never lasted long these days.

When I looked up, Ronan was standing at the doorway, his shoulders stiff, his face shadowed by something heavy. My heart dipped instantly.

I tried not to become accustomed to receiving terrible news. But there seemed to be an excess of it… so I braced myself as I pushed against the bed to stand.

Seeing this. Ronan moved quickly, shaking his head. “Don’t. You’re still not strong enough.”

“Ronan,” I said, my voice soft, “what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he started, but I cut him off immediately.

“Don’t lie to me. I can tell when you do.”

His sigh was low, dragged from deep within his chest.

He stepped closer, brushing his hand against mine as if to ground himself as much as me.

Then he said… “I think something is up with Damon.”