Chapter Sixteen – Leo
This is nice, Leo’s bear said.
It is, Leo replied, standing beside Estelle with his tea.
His family had been on their best behavior over breakfast. They had been welcoming but not too overpowering.
More importantly, Estelle liked them. And he could tell she wasn’t just saying that to make him happy.
“Can we build a fairy house?” Adara looked up at Leo as she put the finishing touches on her fairy ring.
“Of course,” Leo replied as he finished his tea and went to join her.
“Can we make it in a tree?” she asked, looking around at the trees encircling the house. “So it would be like a treehouse, but for fairies.”
She is adorable, Leo’s bear said.
“A fairy treehouse,” Leo said with a serious nod. “That’s a brilliant idea. We can make a plan and then build it.”
He glanced up to see Estelle watching them, her mug cradled in her hands. The morning light caught in her hair, turning the edges copper. The sight of her took his breath away. He suspected it always would.
She looks more relaxed, his bear observed. Less braced for impact.
I wish she could always feel that way, Leo said. I wish we could stay here like this forever. Just hold on to this moment a little longer.
But he lived in the real world. That was the thing about running his own business. He had commitments to keep and deliveries to make.
Ask them to come along, his bear suggested.
Do you think Estelle will agree to that? Leo asked. She said she wanted to keep a low profile. And if she’s seen with me, that won’t happen. Everyone will know she matters to me.
You won’t know unless you ask, his bear replied.
No, I won’t, Leo said, getting to his feet and brushing the dirt off his hands.
“I should get going on deliveries soon,” he said as he closed the distance between them. “Would you two like to come along?”
Estelle tilted her head, considering. “Deliveries?”
“Tomatoes and herbs for the restaurant, plus a few other stops. Nothing exciting. Just my regular rounds.”
His bear perked up. Show them your world. Let them see this part of you.
Estelle hesitated only briefly before nodding. “That sounds... nice.”
Leo wasn’t entirely convinced nice was the word she meant, but he’d take it.
It’s up to you to make it more than nice, his bear said.
No pressure there, then, Leo replied dryly.
No pressure at all, his bear said with a chuckle.
Twenty minutes later, they were loading crates of produce into Leo’s truck. He lifted Adara into the middle seat, where she sat clutching Fizz and peering eagerly through the windshield.
“Is this all from your greenhouse?” Estelle asked, running her fingers over glossy tomatoes nestled in their crates.
“Yes, it is,” he answered, unable to keep the pride from his voice.
She’s impressed, his bear noted with satisfaction.
Leo smiled as he closed the tailgate. “Ready?”
Their first stop was Thornberg Restaurant, where Matt greeted them with a quick wave as he directed a delivery truck at the back entrance. Leo introduced Estelle and Adara to the staff as he unloaded crates of tomatoes and fresh basil.
Rachel came through from the dining room carrying a stack of menus and paused when she saw the produce. “Those look incredible,” she said. “Honestly, I’m not even a tomato person, and they’re some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Even Aria will eat them, and she always says she doesn’t like tomatoes.”
Leo felt a surge of pride as Estelle listened to the exchange. “Matt’s the real genius. I just grow what he tells me to.”
Rachel smiled at Estelle. “Don’t let him fool you. I’ve only been here a couple of months, but I’ve already heard all about the purple basil and the famous tomatoes. Apparently, he spent years getting them right.”
“Three years,” Matt put in as he came back over, reaching for one of the crates. “Trial and error, stubbornness, and far too much muttering at plants.”
“Now you’re making me blush,” Leo said, though he couldn’t suppress the grin that spread across his face.
Matt smirked as he joined them. “He takes his produce very seriously.”
Estelle smiled. “I can see that.”
Rachel glanced at Leo, then back at Estelle. “I’m Aria and Lucy’s mom, by the way. I’ve already heard all about the breakfast this morning from my girls.” She hunkered down so she was at eye level with Adara. “And they told me that you are going to come over for a playdate sometime soon.”
“I am,” Adara said excitedly. “I can’t wait to see the fairy house. Leo said he was going to help me build one.”
“It seems building fairy houses is a Thornberg talent,” Rachel said with a chuckle as she straightened up. “It’s good to meet you. I should get back to work. My boss is a real taskmaster.”
“So I hear,” Leo joked as he glanced at Matt.
“Don’t you have more deliveries to make?” Matt said with a grin.
“We do,” Leo said, winking at Estelle. “Shall we?”
She nodded. “Yes, we don’t want to keep anyone waiting. It was good to see you again, Matt. And I want to thank you for the food Leo brought over the other night. It was delicious.”
“Ah, it all makes sense now. I wondered why Leo came and raided the kitchen,” Matt replied.
“Now the secret is out,” Leo said. But they no longer felt like something hidden away. They felt like his.
They worked their way through town, stopping at the bakery to drop off herbs, before heading out to Win’s Spice & Honey Shack with a special delivery of tomatoes and herbs.
“It’s the spicy shop!” Adara said, pointing out the window.
Estelle looked back at her. “How do you know that?”
“Percy told me.” Adara hugged Fizz closer. “He said they have chili chocolate here. Can I try some?”
Estelle smiled despite herself. “Why not?”
Leo pulled into the gravel parking area, and together they climbed out.
Strings of dried chilies hung from the porch, swaying gently in the breeze.
As Estelle stepped up beside him, Leo rested a light hand on the small of her back.
He felt the familiar tension in her at entering somewhere new, but she didn’t pull away.
Inside, the shop smelled of honey, herbs, and spices. Win looked up from behind the counter and smiled when she saw them.
“Well, now,” she said. “If it isn’t Leo Thornberg. And you’ve brought company.”
“Morning, Win,” Leo said, setting the crate of tomatoes and herbs on the counter. “This is Estelle and Adara.”
“And Fizz,” Adara added, holding up her stuffed dragon.
“Well, of course,” Win said gravely. “Pleasure to meet you too, Fizz.”
Adara beamed.
“Adara’s heard a rumor about your chili chocolate,” Leo said. “She was hoping to try some.”
Win chuckled and reached for two sample jars on the counter. “And here was me thinking you’d want them to try your fruit leather instead.”
Leo leaned an elbow on the counter. “My brother’s chili chocolate is more famous, it seems.”
“So he likes to think,” Win said, setting both jars in front of them. “But some people like sweet instead of spicy. And you don’t know until you try.”
She offered the chili chocolate first to Estelle, who took a small piece after only the briefest hesitation. Then she offered some to Adara.
Adara carefully took a piece from the jar and popped it into her mouth. Her eyes widened. “It is spicy.”
“But do you like it?” Leo asked.
Adara considered that very seriously. “A little.”
Win opened the second jar and held it out. “Then perhaps you’d better compare it with Leo’s fruit leather.”
Leo laughed. “Maybe sweet will win after all.”
Adara took a strip of fruit leather, and this time the smile came instantly. “Oh. I like this one better.”
Leo put a hand to his chest. “A victory.”
“A small one,” Win said dryly.
“But still a victory,” Leo replied. “Which I hope you will relay to my brother next time he pops in.”
“Oh, I will,” Win said as she put the jars away. “A little brotherly rivalry keeps things interesting.”
Estelle laughed softly at that, and some of the wariness went out of her face.
While Win looked over the produce Leo had brought and chatted about what she needed next week, Adara wandered along the aisles. Then she stopped dead.
“Mama,” she whispered, full of awe. “Look.”
Leo followed her gaze and saw the small wooden bear carving sitting beside a jar of honey sticks.
“I found a bear,” Adara said, reaching toward it but stopping short of touching. “Can I hold it?”
“That’s beautiful,” Estelle said, coming to stand beside her daughter.
“My treat,” Leo said quietly, pulling out his wallet. “If that’s all right.”
Estelle hesitated, then nodded. “Sure. Thank you.”
Estelle picked up the carving and handed it to Adara, who cradled it carefully beside Fizz.
“Thank you, Leo,” she said solemnly.
“You’re welcome,” he replied.
As he turned, he caught Win’s eye.
She knows, his bear said.
Of course she does, Leo replied. This was exactly what Estelle had been afraid of if they were seen together.
But when he looked at his mate, she smiled. There was no fear in it now. No flinch of worry.
Only acceptance.
By midday, they had finished the deliveries and were heading back toward Leo’s place when he made an impulsive decision.
“How about a little detour?” he suggested. “There’s somewhere I’d like to show you both.”
Curious, Estelle nodded. “Lead on.”
Leo turned onto a narrow road that wound deeper into the mountains. After a few minutes, he pulled over near a small trail.
“It’s just a short walk,” he promised, helping Adara out of the truck. “You’ll hear it before you see it.”
Sure enough, the sound of running water reached them as they followed the path through towering pines. When they emerged into a small clearing, Adara gasped with delight.
A creek tumbled over smooth stones, widening into a shallow pool before continuing its journey downhill. Sunlight dappled the water through overhanging branches, and wildflowers dotted the grassy bank.
“My secret spot,” Leo said, watching their reactions. “Well, not really secret. But it is quiet at this time of day.”
This is perfect, his bear approved. Peaceful. Safe.
“It’s beautiful,” Estelle murmured, her eyes drifting over the scene.
Adara was already tugging off her shoes. “Can I put my feet in? Please?”
Estelle laughed, a light, unguarded sound that made Leo’s heart skip. “Yes, but not too deep. And stay where we can see you.”
They settled on a flat rock near the water’s edge while Adara waded carefully into the shallows, squealing at the cold.
“Thank you for today,” Estelle murmured. “For all of this.”
Leo turned to look at her. “For running errands?”
She shook her head. “For showing us your life. For letting us be part of it.”
His bear rumbled happily. She sees it. She sees what this could be.
“It’s a simple life,” Leo replied honestly. “But there’s room for both of you in it.”
She looked suddenly unsure. Vulnerable. “Do we?”
“Yes.” He reached for her hand, relieved when she didn’t pull away. “You do see that, don’t you?”
They sat in easy silence, watching Adara splash and explore. When she discovered a small frog, her excitement drew them both into the water, pants rolled up and shoes discarded.
“Mama, look! He moved!” Adara pointed as the frog changed position.
“I see,” Estelle said, crouching beside her.
“Leo, does he live here all the time?”
Leo kneeled in the shallow water, feeling the cool current swirl around his calves. “Yes, this is his home. He probably has a whole family nearby.”
“Like us?” Adara asked innocently.
The simple question hung in the air between them. Leo felt Estelle go still beside him, her breath catching.
Say yes, his bear urged. They are our family now.
“I hope so,” Leo said carefully, meeting Estelle’s eyes over Adara’s head.
Estelle didn’t answer. Instead, she dipped her hand in the water and flicked a few drops at Adara, who squealed in surprise.
“Mama!”
Then Adara splashed back.
What started as a gentle exchange quickly became a full water fight, with Adara shrieking with laughter as she darted between them. Leo joined in, his heart light as he watched Estelle’s reserve fall away.
Water dripped from her hair as she chased Adara through the shallows, her jeans soaked to the knees, her face bright with joy. When she slipped on a mossy stone, Leo caught her by the waist, steadying her against his chest.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured.
She looked up at him, laughter still in her eyes, and for a moment, everything else faded away. Then Adara splashed them both, breaking the spell.
And suddenly, unexpectedly, fear gripped him.
What’s wrong? his bear asked, alert to the shift in his mood.
I don’t know, Leo admitted, trying to pin down the unease that had crept into his happiness. It’s just, look at them.
His bear followed his gaze to where Estelle was helping Adara look for pretty stones for the fairy garden.
They’re happy, his bear said, confused. That’s what we wanted.
Yes, Leo agreed. And now I’m terrified of losing it.
That was when it truly hit him. Seeing her like this, seeing what their life could actually be together, made the stakes suddenly, painfully real.
His bear went quiet, understanding at last.
“Leo?” Estelle called, noticing his expression. “Everything okay?”
He forced a smile. “Just thinking we should probably head back soon. It’ll be dinnertime before we know it.”
As they gathered their things and started back toward the trail, Leo couldn’t shake the feeling. Watching Estelle and Adara walk ahead of him, hand in hand, he felt responsibility more sharply now.
Margaret was still out there. The need for secrecy still hung over them. And now, having tasted this simple, ordinary happiness, the thought of it being threatened felt unbearable.
We won’t let that happen, his bear said fiercely. We’ll protect what’s ours.
But as they reached the truck and Leo helped Adara climb in, he couldn’t help glancing over his shoulder, as if expecting to find someone watching from the trees.
Happiness had never felt dangerous before.
Now it did.