I returned to the cottage, cradling the fruits in my arms. As I stepped inside, the familiar sound of tiny voices reached my ears.
"Mama! Mama's home!" Daemond's voice rang out first, followed by the pattering of hurried footsteps.
"Mama!" Ksaver echoed, his tiny frame barreling toward me with Marcus close behind.
I barely had time to set the basket down before the triplets swarmed me, wrapping their little arms around my legs and waist. I knelt to their level, scooping Marcus into one arm while ruffling Daemond's dark hair with my other hand.
Ksaver tugged on my sleeve, his wide eyes fixed on the basket I had brought. "Berries?" Ksaver asked softly.
"Yes, berries," I replied with a bright smile. "And mushrooms for stew. Did you boys behave for Edna?"
"We did!" Marcus interjected, puffing out his chest. "But Daemond didn't."
"I did too!" Daemond shot back, crossing his arms with a huff. "Marcus is the one who spilled the milk. Twice!"
