The Servant

by B. C. Burgess

  Now, just one year later, she was magically smoothing her curls in a bathroom fit for royalty, and she was about to get dressed in a wardrobe full of fancy clothes before returning to her handsome and generous lover, who just so happened to be a millionaire. It wasn’t even lunchtime yet and she’d been told Merry Christmas multiple times, showered with outrageous gifts, kissed, hugged, loved on, and her infant son had blessed her with a smile. Not even her wildest dreams could paint a more ideal picture of Christmas, and since she wasn’t guaranteed another, she was determined to make the most of this one.

  She took the corner into her closet and found her cell phone on the round sofa, along with a note and a new sweater dress. She stroked the soft gown and grabbed the note, recognizing Quin’s handwriting.

  You have a missed call from Travis. You should call him and Phyllis while you get dressed.

  Your babies are still asleep, so take your time.

  Layla set aside the note and picked up her phone, preparing to be vague with her old friends.

  Travis answered on the first ring, his voice full of mirth as he sang out a Christmas greeting, and Layla sensed he’d already dipped into the booze. Laughter and music played in the background, and he was yelling over the noise, so she had to hold the phone a few inches from her head.

  “Are you at a party?” she asked, magically donning her new dress. The fibers were dyed to match her eyes and knitted to loosely drape over her curves, but the wide neckline hung off her shoulders, and the bottom hem halted mid-thigh, upping the sex appeal.

  Travis confirmed he was partying at his employer’s house, dropping a few famous names he thought she should know, and since he seemed distracted by the festivities, she didn’t feel guilty for rushing through the conversation. Following a few pleasantries about the weather and holiday plans, they promised to talk in a couple of weeks and hung up.

  She feared the call to Phyllis wouldn’t be as easy, but she dialed the number anyway, dreading the moment Phyllis casually proclaimed she was spending the holidays alone. Not only would it make Layla sad, it would make it much harder to get off the phone.

  On the fourth ring, she sighed and prepared for the answering machine. Then a woman picked up with a cheery hello. The voice didn’t belong to Phyllis, and Layla could hear multiple people talking in the background, so she glanced at her phone to double-check the number.

  Returning her ear to the receiver, she hesitantly spoke. “Hi. Is Phyllis there?”

  “Yes, but she has her hands up a turkey’s ass.”

  Layla laughed as her worry melted away. “Fun.”

  “Not by the look on her face. May I ask who’s callin’?”

  “Layla. I used to work with her at the diner.”

  “Oh, I’ve heard ’bout you. Just a second. It’s Layla, Phyl.”

  Phyllis’ muted voice responded. “Bless her heart. Put her on speakerphone.”

  The woman obeyed, and the background noises grew louder as Layla blushed, unsure how many people were listening.

  “Layla, honey? Ya there?”

  “I’m here,” Layla assured. “Merry Christmas.”

  A joyous chorus of voices sang out a reply, and Layla laughed while pulling a pair of underwear from the dresser. “It sounds like you have a full house.”

  “I do,” Phyllis confirmed. “My sister and her family drove up from Texas. That’s who answered the phone. Say hi, Donna.”

  Donna had a grand sense of humor and responded with, “Hi, Donna.” Then Phyllis laughed while calling her a smart-ass.

  “What about you, honey?” Phyllis asked, speaking to Layla. “Are ya spendin’ the day with family?”

  “Yes. Mine and Quin’s.”

  “That sounds nice. How is Prince Charmin’? Did he get ya somethin’ pretty for Christmas?”

  Layla answered while gazing at the reflection of her new gown, in her new closet, which was connected to her new bathroom. “Several things. He spoils me.”

  “So it seems. Think he’ll pop the question soon?”

  Layla rolled her eyes and gave a coy response. “What question?”

  “Marriage, silly. He flies ya ’round the world, and ya’ll have been together for months. Surely he’s willin’ to put a ring on your finger.”

  “He would if that’s what I wanted, but it’s not.”

  “What? Why?”

  Donna snorted and gave her two cents. “This comin’ from a woman who ain’t dated in decades.”

  “Hey,” Phyllis objected, “I ain’t got a man like this one wooin’ me. He’s a looker. Ain’t he, Layla?”

  Layla giggled at their banter. “I think so.”

  “Tall, dark and handsome,” Phyllis added. “And polite to boot. Not to mention he’s loaded.”

  “I’m convinced,” Donna decided. “Marry that man.”

  “See?” Phyllis encouraged. “A man like that doesn’t come ’round every day. If he pops the question, ya say yes.”

  “We’ll see,” Layla returned. “Don’t hold your breath.”

  Phyllis followed Layla’s lead and dropped the subject. Then she went on to talk about the dinner she was cooking and argue with Donna about the green bean casserole recipe. Layla was humored by their bond and thrilled Phyllis had company, but she had her own family waiting, so she jumped in the first time they paused to catch their breaths.

  “It sounds like you have your hands full, literally, and Quin’s waiting for me.”

  “And he waits,” Phyllis approved. “He’s a keeper.”

  “I’ll tell him you said so.”

  “No,” Donna argued. “Don’t do that. He’ll get lazy.”

  “Not this guy,” Layla confessed. “He’ll smile and try even harder to prove her right.”

  “See?” Phyllis repeated. “A keeper. I’ll be lookin’ for my wedding invitation in the mail.”

  Layla balanced the phone on her shoulder and slipped on her underwear, thinking she couldn’t possibly invite Phyllis to a magical wedding. Just another reason to skip it. “Like I said, don’t hold your breath.”

  “As if I could. I’d pass out in half a minute. Merry Christmas, honey!”

  Layla replied with the same and followed it with a quick goodbye. Then she tossed aside her phone, anxious to get back to her babies.

  Benzio and Quin sat on the sofa, reading the book that was interrupted by Benzio’s nap, and they were both dressed in dark-gray slacks, but Benzio wore a red sweater while Quin wore black. The triplets remained in the crib, and Layla smiled at them while approaching the couch.

  “I’m glad they’re still asleep. I didn’t want to miss any grins.”

  Quin closed the book and took his time scanning her. “No one pulls off sexy and sweet like you do. Comfortable?”

  She gave a nod while caressing her long sleeves. “Extremely. What is this material?”

  “Baby alpaca fiber, from Oriana’s offspring.”

  “My mom’s alpaca?”

  “Yep.”

  “That makes it even better.”

  “I thought you’d like that.”

  “I love it. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, but my mom made it.”

  “Then I’ll thank her, as well.”

  Layla sat and gave him a kiss. Then she tucked into his side for the rest of story time.

  When he halted and looked up, Layla followed his gaze to find the triplets’ auras moving faster. She grinned, her nerves hopping and her heart ridiculously overjoyed by the prospect of seeing her babies smile. A tiny grunt floated from the crib, and she leapt to her feet, reminding herself to walk instead of fly.

  Quin quietly laughed while placing Benzio’s book on the table. “We’ll finish later. Let’s go see if we can get a smile out of Lil’ Bit.”

  He picked up Benzio and walked to the crib. Then he watched the triplets rouse to Layla’s happy aura and sweet voice. Lilyana was the first to open her eyes, her small hand curled around Kaedan’s fingers as she rooted at Farrow�
��s head, but when she noticed the explosion of color above her, she looked up.

  “Hi, sweet baby,” Layla softly greeted. “Did you have a good nap?”

  Lilyana’s tongue rolled as she intently searched Layla’s face. Then she cooed and gurgled, but she didn’t smile. Undeterred, Layla lifted Lilyana from between her brothers and tucked her into one arm, tickling a hidden dimple while encouraging her to respond.

  “Come on, pretty girl. I can tell you’re thinking about it. Show Momma that gorgeous smile.”

  “It’s working on us,” Quin offered, glancing at Benzio’s mesmerized gaze and curved lips.

  Layla laughed, and as the angelic sound settled on Lilyana’s ears, her pouty lips lifted into a smile.

  Layla gasped and beamed. “Yay. There it is.”

  Lilyana’s lips dropped as quickly as they curved, but Layla’s spirit couldn’t be suffocated. “I saw it,” she teased. “Can’t take it back now.”

  Inspired by her mom’s enthusiasm, Lilyana flashed an even bigger smile, and this time she cooed and kicked.

  “Oh my,” Layla laughed. “So excited.”

  Lilyana responded with a squeal, and the room brightened as Layla pulled her into a hug and touched her lips to her head, soaking up the moment with closed eyes. “I knew you wouldn’t be too far behind your brother. I think the three of you plot at night, figuring out ways to impress us.”

  Quin slowly filled his lungs, his heart beating strong as he watched his girls, but Benzio wasn’t as impressed, and Kaedan had awoken to object his sister’s absence.

  Quin sent Benzio to play while summoning a blanket onto the sofa. Then he and Layla lined up the babies to be changed and dressed. While Quin stripped Kaedan, Layla leaned in from the side, making a noble effort to earn his first smile, but he had a different kind of surprise in mind.

  “Whoa!”

  She jerked her head back, and Quin’s hand shot up, halting the urine with magic before transferring it to the forest, but both he and Kaedan caught a few drops. Layla was quick enough to miss the stream, and she was carefree enough to giggle at Quin’s expense.

  He smirked while summoning a moist washcloth. “Keep laughing. You can change Farrow.”

  “Gladly,” she agreed, nuzzling Farrow’s belly, and she was rewarded with another smile.

  Kaedan wasn’t ready to do the same, and while Quin could tell Layla wanted to keep trying, she refrained from pushing too hard.

  Once the babies were dressed in their Christmas outfits, Quin instructed Layla to stand. Then he ran his hands down her thighs and calves and over every inch of her feet.

  She shivered and swayed, her muscles quivering as confusion pinched her brow. “What are you doing?”

  “Putting a spell on you.”

  “One of many. Would you like to explain?”

  “It will keep you warm and dry. Come here, Benz. You need spells, too.”

  Benzio obeyed, so Quin finished with Layla and turned to the toddler, tickling him while casting magic from his head to his toes.

  “Okay,” Quin breathed, casting a spell on his own feet and calves. “I think we’re ready.”

  Benzio ran toward the entryway, and Quin turned to scoop up babies, but Layla caught his bicep and pulled his cheek into a kiss. She didn’t say a word while gathering Kaedan and Farrow and heading for the door, but she didn’t need to speak. Her kiss alone justified the lack of sleep, the busy schedule, and the overwhelming pressure to succeed. His sacrifices were not only necessary – fundamental responsibilities bestowed on him as a dad and guardian – they were the stepping-stones lining his path to priceless incentives.

  He lifted Lilyana to his shoulder. Then he warmed her up with a kiss while meeting the rest of his family in the foyer. “All set?” he asked, making sure Layla had cast warming spells on the boys.

  “Almost,” she answered. “Benzio has something for you.”

  Quin turned to find Benzio holding up a small gift, so he knelt, balancing Lilyana in the crook of his arm while accepting the present and tearing away the paper. “Is this from you?” he asked, glancing at the toddler.

  Benzio moved closer, too excited to let Quin open the box by himself. “From all of us. See?” He pulled a rhodium tag from the velvet lining. “We’ll match. I got one, too.”

  Quin tried to follow Benzio’s busy hand, but he had no hope of focusing on his gift, so he set aside the box and held out a palm. “May I hold it?”

  Benzio handed over the tag, and Quin laughed at the toddler’s enthusiasm while pulling the gift closer. First he discerned an engraved four-leaf clover. Then he realized it was made of four small fingerprints, each leaf bordered by the name of one of his children. He blinked while running his thumb over the precious grooves. Then he flipped the tag over and discovered two more fingerprints, but these were bigger, and they formed a heart instead of a clover.

  “Do you like it?” Benzio asked.

  Like couldn’t begin to describe what was happening in Quin’s heart, which felt too big for his ribs and too full for his blood to pass through. When he opened his mouth to respond, his throat swelled, so he cleared it and tried again. “I love it.” He glanced at Layla, wishing they didn’t have their hands full. Then he smiled at Benzio. “I can tell which print is yours without your name.”

  “Mine’s bigger.”

  “That’s right,” Quin laughed. “You’re the big brother.”

  “But Layla’s are bigger than mine,” Benzio added. “She made the heart.”

  Quin sent the empty box to the table. Then he gave Benzio a kiss on the forehead before standing up. He closed his hand around his gift while finding Layla’s eyes, but he didn’t know what to say to her.

  She tilted her head. “Speechless?”

  He smiled and glanced at his hand. “Yeah.”

  “Does that mean we did well?”

  “Perfect. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  He stepped closer, cuddling the triplets between them as his heart punched the confines of its cage. “I need a kiss.”

  “Me, too.”

  Their lips met for a lingering kiss, but they had people waiting for them, so they parted much sooner than they preferred.

  After double-checking the triplets’ temperatures, Quin magically opened the front door. “Let me know if my spells fail to keep you warm,” he insisted, but he’d lost Benzio’s attention the moment a thick blanket of sparkling snow came into view.

  In the flutter of an eyelash, Benzio crossed the porch, leapt from the landing, soared down the stairs, and disappeared into a heap of cold fluff.

  Layla cringed and clutched her infant boys tighter, and neither she nor Quin breathed until Benzio popped up and tossed snow in the air. Layla sighed, and Quin laughed while descending the stairs.

  With the rhodium tag still clutched in one palm, he scooped snow onto his fingertips and touched it to Benzio’s lips. “Remember how snow usually feels?”

  Benzio smiled while licking the melting ice. “Cold.”

  “Freezing cold. You have spells keeping you dry and warm. If they stop working, you stop playing right away and come tell me.”

  “Okay.”

  “Then you’re all set. Have fun.”

  That was all the encouragement Benzio needed before dashing toward Alana and Brayden to play on their snow slide.

  Quin smiled at Benzio’s happy aura, but the luminous haze couldn’t compare to the sunshine he found when he turned toward Layla. She remained on the porch, a baby boy in each arm, and her wide and shiny eyes reflected the sea of glistening snow.

  “Is this real?” she asked, crossing the porch.

  Quin climbed the steps and met her halfway. “Real snow? Yes.”

  “Natural, I mean. How did it get here?”

  He wrapped his free arm around her shoulders and walked through the garden, gauging her reaction to make sure his spells protected her bare feet and legs from the cold. “Magic. We did get a little s
now last night,” he added, pointing toward the dusted tree limbs. “But magic made what’s on the lawn.”

  “It’s beautiful,” she whispered, scanning the white-capped Christmas tree in the center of the clearing.

  Lights twinkled from the depths of vibrant branches, and a massive wooden platform circled the trunk, rising just above the surface of the snow. A wide staircase provided access to the deck, but the rest was surrounded by candelabras draped with holly and poinsettias. Half the platform held a dinner table with room for the entire coven, and the other half was organized like a cozy den with the Christmas tree as its focal point. Cushions and throw pillows lined multiple levels of long benches; a warm fire crackled in a stone pit to one side of the tree; and an enormous pile of presents hid the bottom layer of branches.

  The majority of the family lounged on the comfier side of the deck, and as Layla and Quin approached and Arabella scampered onto the platform in her dress, everyone looked over and beamed. “Merry Christmas!”

  The melodic greeting washed across the snow and crept into Layla’s heart, wrapping it in a happy hug, and a smile stretched across her face as she met her grandparents at the stairs.

  The entire coven was present, so Layla spent the next hour spreading her love around and letting the family dote on her babies. When she got to Aradia, she sat and studied her aura. “Merry Christmas. How was your morning?”

  “Wonderful. Banning woke me up with this.” She held up her silver necklace and showed Layla the gemstones. One was teal and translucent and cut into a teardrop, and the other was heart-shaped and dark-pink. “Blue apatite and rhodochrosite,” she explained, her eyes shiny as she stared at them, but her smile belonged to a woman falling in love.