The word hung between them like a prayer. Alexander's small hand found the ribbon at his hair and curled around it, fingers cold. "Words are easy."
"And so are actions." Elaine's thumb stroked the tiny buds pinned to his hair. "I will show you. Not with grand declarations, not with contracts either, but by waking up next to you, by asking you how your day went, by learning when to be quiet and when to hold you tight."
He tilted his head, the faintest spark of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "That's a tall order."
"It's the only one I plan to keep." She kissed the top of his head, gentle and sure. "Now — stop sulking and tell me what you want for dinner, Princess. I'm in the mood to be chivalrous tonight."
A laugh escaped him, soft and real this time. "A roast would be nice," he said, voice small and almost conspiratorial. "And you'll make it, and you won't burn it."
