I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 205

It was getting late by the time they finished eating, the clock on the wall already pointing to ten.

Bonnie rubbed her eyes and let out a big yawn. Suddenly, as if struck by a brilliant idea, she hopped out of her chair and ran over to Xander. Gripping his fingers with her small hands, she swung his arm back and forth, turning up the charm with her sweet, pleading voice.

"Dad, since we're going to the fair tomorrow anyway, can I just sleep over at Nora's tonight? You can go home by yourself, okay? I want to sleep with Nora and have her read me fairy tales."

Xander lifted his gaze to Nora, silently asking for her permission.

Nora kept her tone natural and warm. "I'd love for Bonnie to stay. But what do you think, Mr. Harrison?"

Seeing that both of them were on board, Xander had no reason to object.

He gently patted the top of Bonnie's head. "Alright. I'll come pick you both up tomorrow morning."

Bonnie cheered, practically dangling from her father's arm before letting go and throwing herself at Nora. She hugged Nora's waist, looking up with a goofy grin, chanting, "Yay, yay, yay!"

Looking down at the little girl bubbling with sheer joy, Nora couldn't help but laugh along with her.

Felix dried the last plate, set it on the rack, and took off his apron. Walking out of the kitchen, he grabbed his jacket from the armrest of the sofa.

He glanced at Bonnie, who was still clinging to Nora, and suddenly spoke up. "I might as well crash here tonight too. Since we're all going to the fair tomorrow anyway, it'll save me the trip."

Before Nora could get a word in, Xander's voice cut through the room with slow, deliberate precision.

"Given that Dr. Ford and Ms. Newman aren't romantically involved, an overnight stay hardly seems appropriate, does it? You should leave with me."

Felix paused mid-button, turning his head to glare at Xander.

Their eyes locked in a silent, explosive clash, a nearly imperceptible scowl knitting Felix's brow.

Completely oblivious to the underlying hostility, Nora thought Xander made a valid point. "He's right. You should head home, Felix. We'll just meet up with you directly at the fair tomorrow."

Felix shot Xander a piercing look before swallowing the retort burning on his tongue.

Whatever. As long as Xander wasn't staying either, there was no point in starting a fight.

He zipped up his jacket and gave a curt nod. "Fine. I'll leave with Mr. Harrison."

Nora and Bonnie walked them to the entryway. After slipping into his shoes, Xander turned to look at Nora, giving a subtle nod. "See you tomorrow." Then, he smoothly opened the door and headed straight for the driver's seat of his car.

His movements were brisk and decisive, without a single wasted second.

Bonnie buried her face in the crook of Nora's neck. Her warm, rhythmic breaths tickled Nora's skin, washing away the evening's exhaustion with a profound sense of peace.

After helping Bonnie wash her face and brush her teeth, Nora dressed her in a spare set of bunny pajamas and tucked her into bed.

Pulling the blanket right up to Bonnie's chin, only her round little face and large, sparkling eyes were visible.

Nora pulled two storybooks from the shelf and sat on the edge of the bed, holding up the covers for Bonnie to choose. "Which one do you want to hear?"

Bonnie blinked adorably. "I like whatever you read to me."

Looking at the tiny, swaddled bundle, Nora felt her heart completely melt.

Smiling, she set one book aside and dimmed the bedside lamp to a soft, golden glow. Opening to the first page, her voice dropped to a gentle, soothing cadence as she began the night's tale.

She didn't choose a traditional fairy tale about a princess locked in a tower waiting for a prince's rescue. Instead, she picked a story about a princess who fought her way out of her own mess.

This princess didn't wait around. Armed with her own wits and courage, she scaled mountains, braved dark forests, defeated the dragon guarding the castle, and shattered the locks on her own prison doors.

Nora's voice rose and fell rhythmically in the quiet room. Bonnie stared unblinking, utterly captivated, all traces of sleepiness completely vanquished by the thrill of the story.