#rowaelinkids

Lazily his head moved, taking in the vast quantity of books she had collected in the ten years they had been mated. Ten years in which both had worked hard at rebuilding Terrasen after the war. Aelin, while building alliances with foreign lands and him out, on the ground helping their citizens rebuilding what had been destroyed. He was not a man for political intrigue and courtly nonsense. He needed to use his hands. Be active, do something that involved physical labour.

On that day he had finished training some of the new recruits and now he just needed a bit of peace until his wife was free again from the meeting with an ambassador for a faraway land. He was impressed by how she had stepped up to the task of being Queen. With time the council had fully accepted her and slowly, Terrasen had started healing.

He was about to doze off when his keen fae ears picked up a noise a few doors down and with the speed of an immortal he rushed to the room.

Once inside, he started breathing again when he noticed that everything was okay, then his gaze shifted to a specific point where the crib was. There he found a set of eyes as green as his staring back at him.

His smile widened at the sight. Their daughter Aisling was standing up and calling him.

Aisling was born a year before and was his carbon copy, something that Aelin loved to complain about. “You carry them for nine months and they they look like the father.”

It had taken Aelin a while to get pregnant but the moment he felt the spark of life in his wife, he had fallen to his knees and cried while holding her. He was going to be a father. 

“What is it my love?” With long strides he covered the distance quickly and a moment later his daughter was in his arms with her head tucked in his neck. “Did you had a bad dream?”

She sniffled louder and he realised that there was something wrong with her “Are you sick?”

Not a second later a sneeze left her and the room around them plunged into winter.

He looked around with interest “Do you have ice magic like your dad?” A deep grin broke on his face “oh you and I are going to have so much fun with mum.”

Aisling moaned and he woke from his revelry. When she sneezed a couple of more times and the room turned in an icy box he realised something was wrong. He grabbed a warmer cloak and wrapped his daughter in it “let’s go and see the healer before you freeze the entire castle.”

With Aisling tightly in his arms he rushed out of the room and sped up to the wing where the healer resided. Along the way Aisling sneezed a few more times causing patches of ice to decorate the walls. He made a mental note to go back and fix it, but first he needed to look after his daughter.

With his huge form he stormed in the infirmary and demanded to see the healer.

“Your majesty, is everything all right?”

“Aisling is sick she is sneezing and creating ice and she is warm at the same time.”

The healer motioned for Rowan to place his daughter on the bed and Rowan obeyed but hovered close by like the protective buzzard his wife liked to call him.

The healer made his daughter laugh and a few icicles sprouted from the ceiling.

“Curious,” added the man “usually fae kids start to show sign of magic around five but I am not surprised that the daughter of two powerful fae is showing signs this early.”

“Will she have ice magic?”

“It will not settle for a while longer but it looks like for now that’s where she is going. Your majesties will have to start magic training for the princess quite soon.”

Rowan nodded in silence “is she okay?”

“Yes, it’s just common flu.” The man gave the king a bottle with a blue liquid “this should help her. She needs rest, perhaps some milk with honey at night before bed and she will be fine in no time.”

Aisling kept giggling and Rowan picked her up “let’s go back to your room and see if the magic ice is gone.”

While they walked Aisling kept babbling and he loved the sound. Sometimes she used real words that she was picking up from them but others it was total gibberish and he was there for it. He loved to imagine that she was telling him stories of crazy adventures in faraway lands.

After Aelin, Aisling was the second love of his life. Nothing matter when it came to her. Not even the long sleepless nights when he looked after her to allow Aelin some rest. Aisling had been the most perfect of gifts.

“Dada!” Another sneeze and another patch of ice appeared on the tapestry.” Rowan laughed “let’s go and get you your medicine”

“Ice!” She pointed out with het chubby finger

“Yes my love, you have ice magic like dada and I am so proud.” he slapped a loud kiss on her cheek and the girl snuggled close to him.

Ten minutes later they were back in the room, Aisling in bed with no intention of sleeping. A bad bout of sneezing had plunged the room into the ice age. Aisling was now crying and fussing and Rowan had ran out of ideas until he decided to use his favourite trick. In a pop of light he transformed in his hawk form and flew inside the crib and Aisling stopped crying. She studied his form and then patted him babbling happily “biddie!”

He was enjoying his daughter patting his wings that he did not notice his wife stepping into the room.

“Now buzzard, do you miss me so much that you have to turn into a bird to have your daughter cuddle you and stroke your ego?”

Bird Rowan let out a shriek and with his head he nuzzled his daughter’s hand and Aisling hugged him tight “Dada biddie!”

“Come on old man,” Aelin extended her arm and Rowan flew on it. He stared at her with his head slightly tilted in a silent conversation between the two.

Then a pop of light and he was back in fae form at her side.

“Hi wife,” he kissed her, while pulling her to him with a hand landing on her still flat belly “How are you both?”

“Fine, but why is the nursery covered in ice?”

Rowan turned and his head tilted to point at their daughter. 

“Was it her?”

“She has a cold and when she sneezes well…” his arms pointed out at the result.

Aelin squealed and grabbed Aisling in her arms “of course, not only you look like your dad, now you have his magic too? You ungrateful little thing.” A loud kiss on the girl’s cheek “This one better be like me and have fire,” she joked while caressing her belly.

“Mama ‘ove you.” Aisling wrapped her tiny arms around Aelin’s neck.

“I love you too, my baby.”

Once their daughter was in bed, Rowan accompanied his wife in the library. He let her take the big comfy chair while he sat at her feet with his head leaning against her belly, while Aelin scratched his silver hair “what’s wrong with Aisling?”

“The healer says it’s just a cold. He gave her a tonic that will make her feel better, but for a few days we might want to make sure the castle is extra warm,” he looked up “good thing we have a fire fae…”

Aelin smirked “try not to get too close to my flames if you don’t want to sizzle those pretty feather of yours, buzzard.”

Rowan in response kissed her belly “I love your fire, you know that.”

Aelin leaned forward and kissed his head “you were never afraid.”

His piercing gaze met hers “how can I, Fireheart?” A kiss on her hand “you are my equal, my heart, my everything, your fire completes me. My carranam.”

Aelin smiled and slid down, sitting near her husband “what else, my king?” Her tone suddenly changing. Rowan pulled his wife to him and kissed her deeply “maybe we should tell your citizens how naughty you like to be, my Queen.”

Aelin pushed her husband flat on the carpet and straddled him “oh old man, I’ll show you naughty.” Their hands joined together and sparks flew and magic engulfed them. The power of the carranam bond coming alive around them.

“I am yours.” An ancient promise whispered against her lips.

Later that evening they went back to check on their daughter and found the nursery completely covered in ice. In panic, they both ran to the crib and found Aisling deeply asleep under the thick blanket with her arms around the soft toy uncle Aedion had gifted her.

“She is fine.”

Rowan kissed his wife’s head with tenderness while Aelin with her magic dispelled the ice.

“Come on Fireheart, it’s late. Let’s go to bed.”

Aelin threw him a wanton gaze and Rowan lifted her in his arms and carried her to their room  “I’ll show you who is the old man.”

And as they joined in the flesh and soul once again the carranam power spread through the castle and farther out and the first snow of the season fell on the Staghorn mountains. 

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At the hospital he bolted out of the car and ran for the maternity ward. At the reception the charge nurse gave him a glare and then he realised why. He was a mess, his face still dirty, same for his hands and neck. Of course they did not want him in such state in a place where there were newborns. He ran back to his car where he kept a change of uniform and then used one of the bathroom to get cleaned up and a bit more presentable. His hair was still darker then usual but he just placed his head under the sink and hoped for the best tying his hair in a man-bun.

Finally he got to Aelin’s room and saw her sitting on a yoga ball, with an IV attached her hand and Lys and Elide keeping her company.

“You are here.”

He kneeled and kissed her.

“You stink of smoke.”

Rowan let out a chuckle “I only had time to change in the hospital bathroom. This requires a shower.” He then turned to Elide “Lorcan is fine, but I would go home to him, this call was a lot for everyone.”

Elide looked at Aelin and she nodded “Go, I am fine, Rowan is here,” she turned to Lys “you too. Go home, relax. We will call you when you are an aunt.”

When they were alone, Rowan sat on the chair opposite to her and Aelin noticed the deep wariness in the lines on his face “we called my parents and your mum and Maya is with her.”

“How are you?” He caressed her face.

“This ball is amazing and it’s helping with some of the pain.”

Rowan moved at her back and started massaging the spot that he knew she loved. The sounds that left Aelin’s mouth were not for a public audience.

“Fireheart, they might think we are having sex.”

A grin spread on her face “an orgasm releases the happy hormone that might help my pain.”

Rowan’s ears turned red “Aelin I don’t think it’s appropriate.”

“Squeeze a boob? I know you love them.”

He sighed and kneeled behind her and his arm sneaked around her waist holding the belly. His mouth traced lazy circles on her neck and nibbled at her favourite spot behind the ear. She leaned back against him, then his hand travelled up and cupped a breast hiding under the hospital gown and Aelin moaned.

He then smacked a kiss on her neck and stood “I am starving, am I okay if I go downstairs and grab something? I have not eaten since this morning.”

Aelin stood and wore her gown “I am coming too.”

“Are you sure?”

“Walking is good.” She grabbed her IV and attached it to the carrier then grabbed his arm and slowly they walked down to the cafeteria.

Aelin snacked on some of his fries and inhaled the scent of coffee. She missed it.

By the time they got back to the room they were both exhausted. Rowan collapsed heavily on the chair and Aelin covered him with a blanket “rest a bit, you had a long day.”

“I can’t.”

“You will hear me screaming when it’s time, I am sure.”

But Rowan never managed to fall asleep. He brought the chair closer to the bed, grabbed her hand and placed it on his heart. He told her what happened, he felt bad at spoiling her day with such a sad story but he needed to unburden his soul. He needed her. 

It was in the middle of the night when she patted his hand nervously “Rowan…”

“What is it?”

“He is coming.”

He ran outside and called for the doctor who, after a few checks, confirmed that yes, Aelin was ten centimetres and ready to deliver. He followed to the delivery room and was given a set of scrubs to wear on his clothes and then stood at her side “I am here, fireheart.” He kissed her forehead while she screamed in pain.

The doctor moved in-between her legs and told her that the baby was already crowning.

“Chief, come and see your son.”

Rowan stared at Aelin and she nodded so he moved and gasped when he saw the head.

“I can see him, fireheart.”

Aelin pushed and pushed and Rowan watched his son slowly be born.

The doctor took the infant away and he walked back to an exhausted Aelin “you are amazing,” a kiss “Aelin that was…”

“Buzzard, are you crying?”

He shrugged “he is here.” 

She looked up at him and her heart melted at seeing him weep.

In the distance they heard the infant cry “that is a good sign.”

A moment later the nurse placed the bundle in Aelin’s arms and Rowan sat at her side “he’s beautiful.”

“And still a bit gross.” Aelin kissed the baby’s head “we do good babies, Whitethorn.”

“Wonder if he has your eyes.”

“I read it will take a while before it settles,” he added using the info he had read in all of his babies books.

“Maya was a shade of green already at birth and then it settled in you pine green.”

As if he heard them, their son opened his eyes and looked up “they are quite light. Hopefully they will be blue.”

Rowan kissed her head “anything, my love.”

“Do you want to go to your dad?” She passed him the baby and Rowan’s heart raced. He had missed all of that with Maya, but now he was going to be present in all the milestones of his son. Witnessing his first moments had been the experience of a lifetime.

“Hi you, I am your dad.”

Aelin stared at Rowan talking to their son and felt emotions well up at the image. Rowan was meant to be a dad.

He walked back and passed the child back “I am not supposed to take him away from you too long, skin on skin with the mother is important.”

Aelin took his hand “the father too.”

The nurse joined them a moment later, “have we settled on a name?

“Thomas,” said Rowan.

“Thomas, Alasdair Whitethorn-Galathynius.”added Aelin.

Rowan stared at her in disbelief.

“And I have the documents ready to change Maya’s surname legally to Whitethorn-Galathynius too.”

“I love you.” Was all that Rowan managed.

*

Once Aelin was back in her room, Rowan had started the round of calls and to fill his phone with his son’s pictures.

His mother with Maya and the Galathynius had been the first visitors. 

Maya stormed in the room claiming that she was a big sister and wanted to see her brother. Rowan removed her shoes and placed her on the bed “Maya, meet Thomas.”

“Thomas, meet your big sister Maya.”

The girl leaned forward and kissed the boy “mama he smells nice.”

“Do you want to hold him?” Maya looked at her father in surprise.

Rowan moved behind her “sit down properly on the bed,” he helped her and showed her how to bend her arms and then he passed her her brother, always keeping a hand nearby to hover.

His mum stared at the image in front of her and took pictures at the same time.

Rowan looked at her and he knew where her thoughts had gone, because he was thinking about the same thing. His father should have been there to witness that moment and all of a sudden the pain of his loss came back for a brief visit. But luckily his daughter’s squeals of happiness brought him back.

Rowan then took his son from his sister’s arms and walked to his mother “mum, please meet Thomas Alasdair.”

A sob escaped Eiddwen’s lips and took her grandson “hello, mo chridhe. I am your grandma and I will love you so very much.”

The Galathynius arrived later “sorry it took us so long, the traffic is a nightmare.”

And Rowan for a moment remembered why and darkness threatened to resurfaced but as he stared at his son and daughter he managed to push the pain away.

“It might be a while before it gets fixed.” He added flatly and Aelin grabbed his hand.

“Is this our grandson?”

“Nana have you seen my brother?”

Evalin and Rhoe moved to Aelin “oh he is gorgeous.” She took him from his mother hands and cooed at the baby “and what’s your name, my love?”

“Thomas Alasdair,” added Rowan proudly and Evalin stared at both of them “it’s perfect.”

“Have you told Lys and Elide?”

Rowan lifted his phone and showed the video of Lys dancing in the living room and celebrating being an aunt.

Aelin and Rowan enjoyed the celebrations until the nurse took their son away claiming that it was time for his nap. Maya protested saying that she wanted to stay with her brother but they had to explain her that he was very little and had to rest.

Eventually they left and Eiddwen took Maya with her.

Rowan remained behind and sat on Aelin’s bed and she caressed his face “you should go home too, you are tired.” His forehead leaned against hers “No, I am staying.”

“Ro, please, I need you fully rested. We have two kids now.”

He chuckled “Okay, but I am back tomorrow morning.”

“We will be waiting for you.”

Rowan kissed her deeply “I love you. You are my everything, Aelin. You and our two children.”

Aelin pulled him closer. She could feel his residual pain and it broke her heart than on such a joyous days he could not be fully happy “you make me happy too, chief.”

Rowan gave her a last kiss and stood.

“Drive safe, please.”

He nodded and left.

The drive home had taken a while. He had received a call from the commissioner explaining that during overhaul they had discovered water infiltrations that had weakened the structure in the long run and the vibrations of the rails had worsened the structure. It had been a disaster waiting to happen and now an investigation had been opened. 

Rowan finally got home. In the house he took in the unusual silence and it upset him. He was now so used to constantly hear the voices of his girls that the silence brought him back to a time when he was alone. Slowly, he climbed upstairs and got changed, then he dragged his tired body in Maya’s room and stared at it. The were some clothes abandoned on the bed so he placed away and then a chuckle left him when he spotted a skate peeking out from under the bed. Rowan grabbed her hockey kit and stored it away. He and Aelin had been trying hard to teach her to be tidy, but in that sense Maya was just as messy as her mum. With a smile on his face he finished clearing up and then he left, closing the door behind him. 

A few steps down the corridor and Rowan reached a new room waiting for them. He had finished it just a few weeks before. They had gone for a pastel green theme. The crib had a mobile hanging over it with fairy creatures attached to it. Maya had chosen it. He took out his phone and stared at some of the pictures of his son and his heart swelled with love. It had taken a while but he was finally on track to have the family he had dreamt and at his side the love of his life.

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And Aelin, she was excited at the idea of getting to know him again.

“I am not sure I have given you permission to cook in my house.”

Aelin turned and saw Rowan leaning against the doorframe. On him only his pair of boxer briefs and the expanse of his chest hers to ogle. It was as if the years redefined his body. The tattoos still a beautiful intricate painting of words in the old language. Damn why was it hot all of a sudden? Was the house on fire?

She laughed to hide her reaction “I had to learn to cook for me and Maya.”

He took a step closer and joined her at the stove, their bodies almost touching “I guess it’s safe to let you make eggs.”

Aelin gently punched him on the shoulder “If I burn the house you are a firefighter.”

He snorted “I’d rather not work on my day off.”

She turned to him “No, today you are too busy destroying PD.”

Rowan pushed Aelin aside “let the pro work. Go and get Maya, she will probably wake up soon.”

Aelin laughed and playfully pinched his side “You are mean, Whitethorn.”she joked “Also, you need a t-shirt.”

Rowan smirked and went back cooking.

“Go.”

But Maya arrived by herself a moment later in her elf pyjama, brushing sleep from her eyes.

“Good morning, muffin.”

“Mama,” she extended her arms to be picked up and Aelin obliged her.

“Good morning elf,” Rowan turned and kissed his daughter after Aelin had brought her close to him.

His two girls sat at the table and he went back preparing food “Are you both ready for the game?”

Aelin chuckled while taking a sip of her coffee “Oh no, the question is if you are.”

“I can play hockey,” he added while passing both their plates with food.

“What do you think Maya?”

“I think dad is super cool.”

Rowan kissed Maya’s head “Thanks for your confidence, baby.”

Breakfast out of the way they all climbed upstairs to get ready. Maya ran in her room all excited and Aelin followed her knowing that if Maya dressed by herself she was still likely to make a mess. She was learning but her fashion choices tended to be lamentable.

“Mama, I want the firefighter jersey.”

That was a surprise for Rowan. The game was an annual charity event and they would sell merchandise and jerseys of TFD and PD were the most popular item. Through Elide she had contacted the team and bought one for her and one for Maya with the name Whitethorn at the back and his number.

“Of course, dad will be happy.”

Maya grinned “Yes, I am his big fan.”

Aelin helped her daughter to dress up and then got ready herself. Then both went downstairs were Rowan stood in jeans and a green jumper and a duffel bag at his feet and hockey sticks on top of it.

Even with clothes on, he had the power to melt her. The man at the bottom of the stairs with a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt under a green jumper was sex on two legs.

“We are ready to cheer you on.” In unison, Aelin and Maya turned and showed Rowan their jerseys with his name “We are your groupies, Rowan.”

He chuckled “Then I am a lucky man.”

The ice rink was not the official one used by the Stags but the one owned by the University of Terrasen and one that could be rented.

“Okay, I need to go and get ready. Go and sit down.” Rowan kneeled and kissed Maya “Wish me luck, baby.”

His daughter threw her arms around him “Go, dad.”

Rowan stood and looked at Aelin. She kissed his cheek and pinched his side “Go and destroy PD.” He nodded and walked towards the changing rooms. When Aelin turned she noticed the brunette who was Rowan’s secretary glaring at her. Aelin ignored her and waited for the rest of the gang. Elide, Lysandra and Aedion arrived not long after “Good morning little one,” Aedion went to scoop up Maya who giggled happily at her uncle “Hi uncle Dedion.” He greeted the other two women “I hope your two men are ready for battle, they need a win.”

“Oh yeah, I told Lorcan no sex tonight if they loose.”

The four went to the food stand and then climbed to their seats. 

When they arrived, Aelin stopped at the sight of the same brunette woman standing and waving at the players. But what really made her mad was her jersey. It bore Rowan’s surname and his number. Lysandra elbowed her “Looks like you have competition.”

Aelin shrugged and ignored the comment. Yes, for some reason a part of her was jealous. Yes, they had not talked about that and the idea that he might find another woman was her worst fear. The possibility that she and Maya might become just a weekend past time. The main reason why she had fought him so hard when he had asked for contact.

“She is just his secretary.”

“That is the start of a lot of romance books. The husband cheating with his co worker or secretary.” Added Elide while drinking her soft drink.

“Mama, they are coming.”

At Maya’s voice they stopped talking and watched the two teams climb inside the rink. The TFD in a red jersey and PD in white with blue trimmings. Aelin followed Rowan and as he spotted them among the crowd he waved at both of them.

“Go dad!” Shouted Maya, jumping up and down. Aedion took her on his lap as he was on the aisle seat.

“Welcome everyone to the annual solstice match between the Terrasen Fire department and Terrasen Police Department. Like every year the game is for charity and this year is to make a donation for the children’s hospital. Please enjoy the game and may the best first responders win the game.”

The crowd cheered and Maya fled from Aedion’s hold and climbed down towards where the two benches were “Dada!”

Rowan stood, opened the gate and picked up his daughter then skated inside the rink with the rest of the team to line up before the puck drop.

“Looks like the TFD has its own mascot, Whitethorn’s miniature clone.”

The TFD lined up beside PD and they all waved and Maya waved too and then kissed her dad in front of all the stadium. The crowd cheered loudly at the cuteness. Rowan then skated back to the door and met Aelin, returning the girl to her mother but not before kissing Maya again and then depositing a soft kiss on Aelin’s lips for all the stadium to see. “Be both my lucky charm,” he whispered quietly before joining his team.

Aelin smiled and climbed back while holding her daughter. Lyria’s gaze met hers and the woman threw daggers at her.

Rowan and captain Westfall lined up in the middle for the initial face off. The referee dropped the puck and the two men started the battle. Rowan took control of the puck and passed it to Fenrys who was waiting for it. PD’s players went after the man and Rowan and Lorcan, being the two  defensemen went to help protecting Brullo who was the goalie.

“Go Rowan!” Lyria stood and shouted.

Maya climbed on Aelin’s legs “Mama I don’t like her. Dad is mine.”

Aelin laughed and kissed her daughter “I know, baby.”

The girl climbed off her mother’s legs and walked to where Lyria sat and patted the woman’s shoulder.

“Yes, little one?”

“I am not little,” Maya protested “Rowan is my dad.”

The woman nodded but Maya was not done “He is mine and mama’s.” She turned around and went back to Aelin.

It was in that instant that the crowd erupted because Rowan had scored the first goal of the match.

“Maya, dad scored.” They all cheered and the girl screamed at her father’s shot.

The game resumed and Westfall went straight for Rowan collecting then a penalty for cross checking and giving TFD a two minutes power play which Rowan used to score another goal. In celebration he skated near his girls and sent kisses to Maya who was jumping madly.

The game became intense when PD started racking penalties and dirty tricks so much that Connall had to pull Rowan back from a fight.

Aedion started to curse and Aelin placed her hands on Maya’s ear “Aeds, language.”

“The bastard is trying to have Rowan fight him.”

Aelin loved her cousin but he could get just as competitive as she was when it came to hockey. Lysandra elbowed him gently in the ribs “Stop it. There’s a kid.”

“Sorry, Aelin.”

The game finished with a win for TFD 5-2. Rowan had scored three of those goals and Lorcan the other two.

Maya grabbed her mother and started pulling to go in the rink. The two women ran down and Rowan met them at the gate “Dada you won!” Elide joined them too and landed in Lorcan’s arms.

Rowan placed Maya on his shoulder and did a lap of the rink with his daughter laughing happily.

Aelin talked to the team and complimented them for an awesome game. 

Brullo stepped at her side. She always liked the man.

“It’s good to see you two back together. Rowan needs this and he’s so proud of being a dad.”

“I know,” added Aelin with a smile. Of that she was aware. The way he paraded her proudly to his colleagues.

Rowan came back five minutes later with an ecstatic Maya. While he did a lap the rest of the firefighters joined him and she was in hockey heaven for a moment. 

“Did you have fun?” She asked while taking her back.

“Yes, Fenys is so fun.”

The man in question walked closer “See, I am already her favourite.”

“No, dad is my favourite.”

The men laughed “Moonbeam, she is the youngest woman to reject you.”

The guys laughed and walked back through the tunnel to go and get changed.

Aelin and the rest of the group walked to the main lobby of the stadium and waited for the guys to come back. Lyria arrived a moment later. The woman paused as if she wanted to say something but then walked away in silence.

“She is not happy.”

Aelin shrugged in front of the rest of the people but inside her jealousy was growing quickly. The woman was pretty and she could see Rowan being interested in her. 

“Ae, you need to have your game face on and grab Rowan before she takes him from you.”

“I agree, close the deal as quickly as you can.”

She looked at Maya playing with her uncle and her stomach was in knots “we are not there yet.”

Lysandra groaned in frustration “what’s so hard? You two were on your way to get married and have a daughter, it’s pretty simple from where I see it.”

“And he kissed you, the whole stadium saw it.”

Aelin sighed “We are taking baby steps.”

Elide folded her arms at her chest “Boring.” 

“Says the woman who is happily married.”

Elide smiled happily “Well, Lor and I are trying to make our life more exciting.”

Lysandra screamed “Oh my god are you two trying?”

“Yes.”

The three women exploded in cries of joy and hugged, jumping up and down while Aedion and Maya and Aedion stared at them in a puzzled expression “You stay here with me, munchkin.”

After the game Rowan took Aelin and Maya at Emrys for lunch.

“Hi Emys. He is my dad.” The little girl grabbed Rowan’s hand and pulled him forward.

The older man shook his hand and then they walked to a table. Once his girls decided he placed an order and sat back down “So Maya, did you like the match?”

“Yes, it was fun. Dad was super good.”

Aelin nodded and her adult part also wanted to add that Rowan in his hockey gear was another level of hot.

“Dad can you teach me hockey?” 

He kissed the tope of her head “Yes, and you also have lessons in January.”

“I want to play with the Stags.” She cried happily.

Rowan laughed and Aelin joined in “Our daughter is very ambitious.”

He looked at Aelin lifting an eyebrow in curiosity. It was the first time she had used our. Usually it was always my daughter.

Aelin brushed his hand gently and then Emrys arrived with the food.

“Food! I am hungry!”

Both parents laughed at their daughter’s appetite.

“She really is like you.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

When the family left the restaurant Rowan carried his daughter on his shoulder and Aelin at his hand.

It was almost the end of the year and he hoped that the new one would start with the first few steps of a new family.

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With all these thoughts crossing her mind she reached her parents’ house and was looking forward to hug her little tornado again.

Her mother must have heard the sound of tyres on the crunchy snow because a moment later she was on the door with Maya at her side.

Quickly she parked the car and jumped out, running to her daughter.

“Mama!”

Aelin picked her up, stamping a fat wet kiss on her cheek “Hi muffin, did you miss me?”

“Yes, but grampa and I had a lot of fun.”

“Did you?” She asked as Evalin ushered them inside.

“We made a snowman.”

Maya wiggled free and she let her go back on the carpet where her father was, surrounded by a sea of building block “Hi dad,”

“Hi love.”

Her mother took her coat and Aelin was positive Evalin was studying every single move. She was good at sensing her moods and Aelin was in a foul one.

“Come in the kitchen with me,” her mother took her hand “They are too busy building a castle, we will have space to talk in peace.”

Aelin followed knowing that she had no choice.

Evalin walked to the stove where she was making dinner and motioned for Aelin to sit down “Come on darling, what happened?”

Aelin grabbed a breadstick “Rowan is back.”

Her mother turned “Is he?”

“Apparently he is chief of the TFD now.”

“That is good news, darling.”

Aelin looked up at her smiling mother. Evalin always adored Rowan like a son.

“Is it?”

“Yes, for both you and Maya. He is back and you can resume from where you left off.”

“How?” Aelin groaned “Mum we cannot go back to five years ago. He left, we broke up. We have separate lives now. For Mala’s sake he is a stranger to me for all I know.”

Evalin’s lips formed a tight line of disappointment “He can’t be a stranger after what you two had, there’s a chance you would have been married by now,” she added quietly “And he is Maya’s father.” Her tone stern all of a sudden.

“Biologically only.”

Her mother took a step closer “Aelin, I love you, but I never agreed with your idea of keeping Maya from him,” admitted the woman, and Aelin was stunned “I never said anything because you were already grieving for having to let him go, but I wish you had told him because I am sure he’d found a way. Both of you.”

“You side with him?”

“I side with what’s best for Maya. And that is allowing her to have a father who will undoubtedly love her to no end.”

Aelin remained silent for a moment weighing her mother’s words “I saw him today.”

“And?”

“We fought. Badly.”

Evalin was silent and brushed her daughter’s hair “Let it out, all the frustration but then start working together for your girl’s sake.”

“He wants contact, wants to be her father.”

“That is good. What’s stopping you?”

“I don’t know if I can trust him.”

Shock was clear in Evalin’s face “Rowan? Aelin you know how serious he can be. If he says he wants to know Maya you know that he will be fully committed.”

A deep sigh left Aelin’s lips “What if he meets another woman?”

“Aelin, don’t go looking for trouble.”

Evalin sat at her side and pulled her daughter to her chest in a hug “Aelin, I love you and Maya and you know I always loved Rowan as a son,” she started “You three can be a family. You took a long detour through life but you have a second chance. Don’t let it go, my love.”

“I am scared,” blurted Aelin while holding her mother.

“Of course, that is just your body trying to protect you. One step at a time.”

Aelin nodded.

“Why don’t you start with a meeting. You can meet up at the park, introduce him to Maya as a friend and go from there? See how Maya reacts to him?”

“That’s what he suggested.”

“Give him a chance Aelin. Give your family a chance.”

Dinner at her parents had been perfect as usual and now she and Maya were in the car on the way home. She thought about her mother’s words and decided that she could try. Set aside her fears and allow Rowan in. 

Maya was in the back asleep on the car seat. At the traffic lights she stared at her daughter “Want to meet dad, my love?” She said in a soft whisper.

Maya in bed, she got ready for bed and exchanged a few texts with Elide with the aim to get Rowan’s number from Lorcan.

Mission accomplished she stared at the saved number and wondered whether to text him or call him. It was late but she knew Rowan was a night owl so she grabbed all of her courage and called him.

“Hello?”

“Rowan?”

“Aelin?” Surprise deep in his voice.

“Yes, I got your number from Lorcan. I hope it’s okay.”

“It’s okay.”

“I am calling with a peace offering,” she paused “You are right. I don’t want to involve lawyers either. We are adults and I am positive we can do this and protect Maya in the process.”

She heard him sigh in relief “Thank you, I really did not want to go down that route.”

Silence on both ends.

“What changed?”

“My mum. You know how convincing she can be.”

Laughter resounded through the phone and she relaxed “You are right. You are Maya’s dad and I want her to know you but…” a pause “A step at a time, Rowan.”

“Of course, Aelin. I will take anything.”

“Do you know the park in North Grove?”

“No, but I can find it.”

Aelin hummed happily “Maya and I love it and I was thinking that if you are free this weekend we can meet there?”

“That sounds perfect.”

“The place has a lovely cafe and we can have lunch together.”

“I love it.”

A pause and then Rowan spoke again “Tell me about her.”

Even through a phone conversation Aelin could already hear the love in his words. She started to realise that would have been wrong not allowing him to be a father. Rowan was ready. Had been ready to be a parent well before she had been.

Aelin let out a light chuckle “She is a little tornado. She started walking a bit earlier than expected same for her first word. And now she does not shut up.” A laugh “She is curious and changes once a week what she wants do when she grows up. This week is unicorns farmer.”

Rowan’s laughter resonated through her phone “I know. Last week she wanted to be a panda nanny.”

“Oh well, she has her ambitions high.”

Aelin laughed again “She started school in august and she loves it. She reads basic stuff and is getting quite good at writing.” She kept telling him “Her birth was hard. The cheeky monkey was two weeks too early. She decided to wake me up in the middle of the night and had no patience. Turns out that in all her hurry to get out, she hadn’t moved in position and almost got stuck in the birth canal so they had to give me a c-section.”

Rowan was silent and she knew he was worrying even after five years after the fact. He was a fussy buzzard. Always had been. And that was an aspect of him that had made her fall hard for him. He was caring.

“She loves her grandparents. Her grandad spoils her rotten when they go to the museums. Now he got her obsessed on astronomy.”

Over the line she heard Rowan’s breath hitch “The morning you saw us we had just come back from a morning at the science museum where they had a session of astronomy for toddlers. I don’t think I have ever seen her sat still for two hours straight.”

“Um,” added Aelin while she kept thinking about all things she wanted to tell him “Hockey. Of course she is obsessed. I take her to games and just the other day she asked me if she can join a team.”

Rowan chuckled “As a former player and now occasional one I cannot but beam with pride.” A pause “Please tell me she supports the Stags or I might reconsider things.”

Aelin snorted “Of course, Whitethorn. I only teach my daughter the correct values in life.”

They both laughed and Aelin basked in the easiness. It had always been like that for them. They would fight, hold grudges for half an hour and then laugh it off not long after. There had always been a special connection between them and in those few moments over the phone she felt as if the flame of their past life was fighting to self ignite again. And she thought, that maybe, maybe she would let it ignite once again. 

“Now chief, it’s late. I better let you go to bed. You have to be rested to save lives tomorrow.”

“Nah, just try not to die of a ferocious paper-cut.”

Aelin was silent for a moment “Do you miss it?”

“The action? Sometimes. But this job allows me a much more normal type of life, no more long shifts. And now that I have Maya I love it even more. I can be with her.” He paused “I still direct the scene in case of a certain level of emergency but I am outside as incident commander.”

“You can have some beauty sleep.”

Rowan laughed.

“Night, Rowan.”

“Night, Aelin.”

Rowan closed the conversation and walked to the window and stepped outside on the lower balcony. He lifted his nose to the sky and noticed the sky covered by the most stunning blanket of stars. And then, in the distance the mirrie dancers. The sky turned ablaze with greens and blues. He tried to take a photo that he wanted to send Aelin. She lived in the centre and such shows were impossible in the middle of the city.

 A smile broke on his lips and hope surged in him. After the fight in her office he had been terrified at the possible fight with lawyers. Now he was looking forward an afternoon with both. 

He winked at the Lord of the North and then sent a text to Aelin the perks of living outside the city. Show this to Maya. Thank you for allowing me in.

*

Aelin was ready to climb in bed when her phone pinged. It was a message from Rowan and it contained a picture of a sky illuminated with blues and greens. Aelin had never seen the northern lights I am so jealous right now. I hate living in the centre. Maya will beg to come and be at your place all the time now. 

You are both welcome. His text read.

She lay down under the covers and thought about Rowan. She hoped Maya liked him.

A yawn was the sign that it was bed time.

She looked at the picture one last time and sent a wish to Mala.

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The building had been scheduled for demolition after it had been deemed unsafe but the mayor had prohibited the land to be used for commercial reasons once they would start building again. 

The trial would happen in the new year but for now all he cared was that Hamel and his cronies were behind bars.

But now his main problem was to find a present for Maya for the solstice. Aelin had explained him that they always went to her parents and that year was not going to be any different. Evalin and Rhoe had asked for his presence and both grandparents had, according to Aelin, been delighted at the idea of a family solstice.

As another week passed things had started to settle down in his house. That evening he was meant to go home and decorate with them. He had missed the solstice celebrations. Wendlyn followed Yule but it was not as glorious as Terrasen festivities     were.

Mug of coffee in his hand he was taking a break from his pile of documents and was browsing for telescopes for kids. He knew Maya had one at her grandparents and his was far too advanced for her, so he had been researching the best one for toddlers who were just beginning to discover astronomy. He was looking forward to spring when they could use his garden at night and look at the sky. Telling her mythology stories had become their bedtime ritual after she had asked him for a lullaby. The question had floored him and upset him to no end, but he had fixed it by telling her that he knew a lot of stories. Maya had seemed happy and now it was his special moment. Sometimes Aelin would join them and sit on the rocking chair at the side of her bed, with a cup of green tea, and would listen to him. It was all he had imagined in his dreams of a family. But he also could feel how precarious the situation still felt. There was so much he had to learn on how to be a father. He tried to remember all his dad had taught him and at the same time the pain of the loss hit him hard every time. He wanted to be a worthy dad for Maya. And Aelin… he felt that every day was a test. That she was constantly keeping a tally of his actions as if she was getting ready for a verdict. As soon as the fear after the fire had passed, Aelin had gone back to her room and Maya had not visited him at night anymore. He knew she was going to her mum and a very petty part of him was jealous about that. He had loved waking up with his daughter in his arms, her drool on his t-shirt, her cute little snores. He missed that. Rowan had also noticed that Maya’s behaviour towards him was changing too. According to the articles he had read it was just her adjusting to the situation but all he could do was fear that she was already fed up with him. It was killing him.

He had bought her the telescope and was going to collect it after work. He also hoped that the news he had for her might help fix the strange relationship that had formed. Rowan had found a course for hockey for kids’ Maya’s age. One of his colleagues had suggested that to him. He had done his research and apparently it was also endorsed by the THL. On his way back from an inspection in the south of the city he had stopped to the ice arena and had gone to gather some more information. The course seemed perfect. It started with basic lesson to learn to skate. It was a six weeks introduction and it seemed well planned out. His colleague had sworn that his kids loved it and it was also safe. All excited Rowan went ahead and enrolled her in the January intake. It would be a nice birthday present too. He knew that Aelin had been looking too but so far nothing had happened and Maya had been quite vocal about wanting to play hockey so he had gone ahead. Aelin would probably kill him but he had no regrets. 

Now it was six and was finally switching off his computer, ready to go home. 

The snow had stopped falling for a few hours, but up his neck of the woods it seemed that the roads had not been cleared yet. Rowan had begged Aelin to use his car to go to work. It was a pickup with proper 4x4 capabilities. Her car was not suitable for those roads and he was paranoid at the two in the car.

At home he sneakily ran to his room to hide the present he had collected from the shop, changed and went back downstairs where Maya was practicing her letters while Aelin was working away on her laptop.

“Dad!”

Rowan ran to Maya and kissed her “what are you doing?”

“I am writing my solstice letter to the elves.”

He looked at the piece of paper and his heart broke at the words mama, dada no fight.

He and Aelin had a few arguments and although they had tried not to shout too much and alert their daughter, something must have reached her. Something had to change and he had a feeling that his next revelation would cause another fight.

Hockey was the word just below it and no matter how much Aelin would fight him, he had done the right thing.

He looked at Aelin and then back to Maya “I think you can score this off your list.” He pointed at the word.

Maya looked up at him with big green excited eyes.

“I have found classes for you and you start in January.”

It was a second and the little tornado crashed into him and the two fell on the floor, Maya on top of him, hugging him tight “Yes.”

His eyes lifted and saw Aelin glaring at him, her lips tight in a thin line of displeasure.

Maya climbed off him and started running around the living room screaming “I am playing hockey.”

He sat up and stared at the undiluted joy in his daughter.

Aelin stood and nodded to the kitchen door “Maya, baby stay here okay? I need to talk to dad.”

Rowan followed and prepared himself for battle.

“You went behind my back!” She accused him “You signed her up without consulting me first.”

Rowan leaned against the counter “I found a good class, it’s very popular and spaces are limited. Maya wants this.”

“It was my job. I am her mother. I was looking into it.”

He groaned and pushed his frustration down “I am her father.” He bit back “This has been recommended to me by a colleague and it’s endorsed by the THL. It’s the best out there.”

“You had to check with me first,” she roared back.

“Do I have to check everything? Do you need to approve as well the solstice present I bought her? Not all I do needs your stamp of approval, Aelin.”

“I looked after her for five years without your help. I provided for her. You can’t think you can take over after only a few months.” She moved closer “We managed just fine without you.”

Rowan froze and felt sick at those words. He had tried to follow Aelin’s rules but it seemed it was never enough. He understood that Aelin was just being protective but how was he going to really get close to his daughter if she kept placing so many blocks?

He felt like crying. 

Aelin stormed out and he heard her sooth a distressed Maya who had heard their fight. Again. 

He forced his numb body to go in the living room and saw Aelin gathering Maya’s stuff “We are going to my parents for a few days.”

“It’s not safe to go out.”

“I just need space.”

Maya protested and his heart ached “I’ll drive you.”

“No. I can drive, Rowan.”

He just stood and watched Aelin carrying a crying Maya upstairs.

Rowan felt empty. The hopes of a family quickly slipping away from him. And for s split second a terrible thought crossed his mind. He should have never come back. Maybe Maya would have been happier with the lie that he had died an heroic death on the job.

He wanted to be a father so badly that he had messed up everything and now Aelin was taking his daughter away. His hand shook as he watched them climb down the stairs with a duffle bag.

“Aelin, let me drive you, please. The roads are bad outside.”

“We will be fine.”

“Take my pickup at least.” One last effort to see them at least safe. He grabbed the keys from the tray in the hallway and passed them to her “Please.”

Aelin took them “Okay.”

“Call me as soon as you arrive.”

She tried to protest but nodded at his pained expression.

Rowan moved to Maya and kissed her while she sneaked her arms around his neck “I will miss you, baby. Have fun at the grandparents.”

“Love you, dad.”

“I will see you at the solstice.”

“Ok.”

He then stood and stared at Aelin. He could not care. He was going to the solstice. Evalin and Rhoe had invited him and there was no way in hell he’d cancel on them. It was his first solstice with Maya and Aelin was not going to rob him of that moment.

With deep anguish he followed them outside and while Aelin got Maya in the car seat he cleared the windows and the front one until it met his high standards. He knew the car was in top shape as he did regular maintenance and the winter tyres were brand new.

And although he knew his car was safe, he could not shake the fear. He had seen his fair share of car accidents and knew that even if Aelin was careful and his car was well maintained there were another possible hundreds of reasons why a MVA would happen. And the fact that he could almost name them all was not helping at calming his anxiety.

“One last try that you reconsider this?”

Aelin closed the door “I am too mad at you right now. A couple of days at my parents will help.”

He nodded.

“We will still wait for you at the solstice.”

He signed in relief. Maybe not everything was lost.

“Be careful, please. Am I at least allowed to tell you that?”

She gave him a shy smile “Yes, buzzard.”

“Remember what I taught you about winter driving. Easy on the breaks and avoid brisk accelerations.” He added “If you are stuck call me. Any problems you call me right away.”

She gently touched his arms “I do remember. Thanks.”

Eventually she climbed in the car. He looked at the back and waved at Maya who returned the gesture.

Rowan remained still until the lights of the car disappeared.

He did not move when snow flakes started to fall once more.

Rowan remained on the porch staring at the empty road for who knew how long, then he went back in. He was numb. He was finishing cleaning up when his phone went off.

It was not his personal phone though, it was his work phone.

He grabbed it quickly and answered.

“Chief?”

“Yes, Ilias.”

There was a moment of silence.

“There has been an accident.”

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Rowan stared at Ilias doing his job and pretended not to see the front of the car smashed against the wall of a house. It had been the owner who had alerted the firefighters after he heard the crash.

“It looks like she swerved to avoid the animal.” The captain pointed at the prints on the snow. “Paramedics say she is fine, just a concussion and likely some nasty bruises on her chest. The seatbelt did its job.”

Rowan nodded.

“You know the protocol, we need to take them to the hospital.” One of his paramedics took Maya back from his arms but the girl protested loudly and his heart broke.                

He tried to soothe Maya “Baby, I need you to go with the nice paramedic and your mum to the hospital. I am right behind.”

Maya held him tighter almost in panic.

The paramedic tried again to grab the girl “Come with me darling, your mum is asking for you.”

Rowan thanked silently the paramedic when Maya followed him inside.

The ambulance drove away and he turned to Ilias “Was she conscious when you got here?”

The captain nodded and scoffed “yes, that woman is stubborn. She was trying to get herself out of the car.”

“Go with them chief, I got the scene, and a tow on its way. This is an easy MVA.”

While on the road he had called Aelin’s parents and by the time he arrived at the hospital, they were just entering the A&E. He called Rhoe’s name.

“Rowan!” Evalin walked to him with terror etched on her face “What happened?”

“Aelin and Maya were coming to stay with you,” he confessed not hiding his shame. He hadn’t been hard enough in trying to convince her not to leave “We had a fight. I begged her not to leave so late in the evening and with all the snow.”

“Aelin did not listen.” Added Rhoe deadpanned, surprising him.

“A deer cut in front of her and she just swerved to avoid it and crashed.”

Evalin gasped in horror.

“They are fine. One of my captains called me at the scene, Aelin was awake and Maya is just scared. Aelin apparently fought the firefighters trying to get out of the car.”

“I am sorry, she inherited the stubbornness from me.” 

“Rhoe!” Added Evalin shocked at her husband jokes.

“Ev, Aelin has been pigheaded since the day she was born.”

Rowan smiled and then walked to the nurses station “Hi Sorscha, any news on Aelin and Maya?”

The woman checked “Med bay 5, the doctor is with her. Maya has been taken to paediatrics for a check up.”

He let Rhoe and Evalin go and talk with Aelin’s doctor while he rushed to Maya. The hospital was a maze and it took him a good ten minutes to reach the ward.

“Maya Galathynius?” he asked with apprehension.

“Any relation?”

“I am the father.”

The nurse let him go and in the distance he saw her on a bed holding elf in her arms. A nurse was sitting with her and was offering her a juice box.

“Dad!” She screamed as soon as she spotted him. In two quick steps Rowan was at her side and enveloped her in his arms. He then looked at the nurse.

“She is fine. We did a lot of checks but she is absolutely fine. Aren’t you Maya?”

Maya snuggled closer to her father “Is mama okay?”

He kissed her head tenderly “as soon as the doctor gives me your discharge papers I will take you to see her. Mum is fine.”

“And the deer?”

“Okay too.”

Ten minutes later a doctor came in the room and explained the checks they had done and all was was clear. Rowan grabbed the papers and lifted Maya back in his arms.

In the A&E, the Galathynius were still with Aelin. 

At the open door he walked in and then to the bed “See Maya? Mum is fine.”

Aelin extended her arms and her daughter climbed from parent to parent.

He stood behind, following the scene from his corner until Evalin pulled him closer “Go to her, Rhoe and I will take Maya for a bit. You two need space.”

Rowan stared at Evalin in shock and the woman nodded to him almost in encouragement.

Slowly he moved to the bed and as he got closer he scanned Aelin for any sign of grave injury, but all he found was a plaster on her forehead. She was sitting in bed and as soon as she spotted him, Aelin extended her hand to him.

Rowan sat at her side and accepted her hand “I am sorry,” she whispered.

Rowan was about to protest but she stopped him “no, I need to get this out,” she added quickly “I am sorry. I was mad at you for all the wrong reasons,” she confessed “What I said to you was horrible. I have been so used to be just the two of us. I made all the decisions, I provided for her and when you told me about the classes I felt as if all of a sudden I was not capable anymore to look after her.” Rowan was again ready to talk but Aelin placed a finger on his lips “And I have been so damn wrong to be jealous of you. I had a look at the courses but I could not find anything that I liked. You did and I wished it had been me.” Her hand caressed his face in a gentle touch “Rowan, in a very short time you have proved to be a great dad for her. She loves you so much,” tears started to flow on her cheeks “And I am so bloody stubborn that I put us in danger. And I am sorry,” another caress “I am sorry that I doubted you or made things hard for you. Having you back after all this time, it caught me off guard. I was so scared, Rowan.”

He moved closer, his arms sneaked behind her back and pulled Aelin to his chest “When you left tonight I felt like a failure. I was so eager to be a father that I just went ahead like a bulldozer and did not consult you.” He closed his eyes and his cheek leaned on the top of her head “I want to be worthy of being her dad and of you. I want to be so damn worthy of you both, Aelin.”

They looked at each other and their foreheads touched. Aelin’s hand cupped his cheek and something moved in her chest. Something old. A thread she thought had snapped was now floating in front of her begging to be reconnected to its other half “You are, and Maya and I are so lucky to have you.”

“How is she?”

Rowan chuckled “She already charmed the nurses and managed to get a juice box from them. Docs says she is all okay.”

Aelin shifted and leaned her head on his shoulder while he kept holding her “Can Maya and I come back home?”

“Are you sure?”

She looked up at him and nodded.

Rowan stared in her blue eyes and slowly felt as if all the messy feelings he had been experiencing lately had started to shuffle back in order. Some of the old feelings had started to resurface, but he had to keep them at bay. They had to work first on making sure Maya was okay. They had done enough damage. Their daughter had priority over their feelings.

“We love your house.”

“Okay but,” Aelin tried to protest but this time it was his turn to shush her “Tomorrow you stay at home. The concussion was very light, but you will be sore from the seat belts. Maya is home from school for the holidays and if you need help I am sure your mum will be delighted to look after you both.”

“Yes, chief.”

“I should have never let you go out.”

She kissed his cheek “You tried. I am stubborn, remember?” She then hid her face in his chest “I destroyed your car. I will find a way to pay you back.”

“Nonsense. I am glad you at least took mine. It has a very reinforced front. It’s meant for off track and other extreme road conditions. Nothing a good garage cannot fix and I also have something called insurance.” He thought about what could have happened if she had gone with her car. He kissed her head “Stay with me and that’s your way to pay me back.”

“I think I can do that.”

Aelin looked up and moved closer. So much that they were sharing their breaths. She was about to brush her lips on his when the scream of her name pulled her back.

Evalin and Rhoe entered the room with an excited Maya holding a lollipop.

“Mama!!”

Rowan helped Maya climb on the bed and gave them some space while he went to the grandparents.

Rhoe passed him some papers “Aelin’s discharge papers. I assume you are taking your two girls home?”

He nodded “Good,” added Rhoe, patting his shoulder. Rhoe went back to Aelin and Maya and Rowan remained with Evalin.

“Fight for them Rowan. Do not let an argument ruin everything. They are your family and they love you.” She gave him a hug “Rhoe and I are rooting for the three of you.”

Twenty minutes later he was walking out of the hospital with a still an achey Aelin and Maya in his hand. He was afraid that Maya might refuse to get in the car but the girl allowed him to strap her in. He passed Elf and hoped she was fine until home. 

On the passenger seat Aelin was struggling to fasten her seat belt. She was sore and movements were hard. Rowan went to her and fastened the belt “Will you be okay?”

She nodded “You are a really good driver and can deal with these roads better than me.”

He left the car park “Who wants ice cream?”

Both women screamed excited so when he was closer to home he made a stop at his local shop down in the village and bought a few types of ice cream.

Back at home Aelin made to grab her duffel bag but Rowan stopped her. “Wait on the porch while I free the hurricane.”

Aelin sat on the chair outside and stared at her daughter following happily her dad. Taking Maya away even if for just two days would have been a grave mistake and fate had punished her for that. Seeing her daughter happy with her dad was all she needed.

“Let’s go in.”

Rowan pushed Aelin on the bench inside the lobby and she protested when he kneeled to remove her shoes “If you can bend to take them off, be my guest.”

Aelin tried and gritted her teeth but gave up when her body screamed and let Rowan take her boots off.

“Dada, my shoes are off.”

He helped Aelin up “Ok, upstairs, pyjama and ice cream.”

Aelin leaned on him as they climbed to the upper floor and Maya followed. She then disappeared in her room while Rowan accompanied Aelin in hers.

“Do you have a pyjama?”

She shook her head “I have been using your t-shirts, they are cozy.”

Rowan chuckled “Oh so you are the thief.” He went to his room and came back with a big TFD 

t-shirt “This should be okay too.”

She tried to remove her clothes but every movement was causing her blinding pain “Can I?”

Aelin blushed. They had seen naked plenty of times but now it was different between them.

Between curses she managed to pull away her hoodie and then the t-shirt and that’s when Rowan gasped. Her chest sported a nasty purple bruise from left to right and a really nasty scratch on her neck that the doctors had covered with a bandage.

“Is your neck okay?”

“Stiff.”

“Okay, we need to keep an eyes for signs of whiplash.”

Maya burst in the room not long after. Elf pyjama on, and soft toys under each arms “I am ready for ice cream!”

Rowan lifted her in bed “Stay here one second while I help you mum get changed.” The girl crawled under the blankets with her friends and waited.

Once ready, Aelin shuffled under the blankets with her daughter and both waited for ice cream.

Rowan came back twenty minutes later all changed too and with a tray with the cups full of ice cream. The really chocolaty ones were for his two girls whereas he had opted for the fruity ones.

“Ae, take these, the doctor prescribed them, should help with pain.”

Obediently Aelin took her meds and then Rowan allowed them to have ice cream in bed.

He sat in the chair he had carried from Maya’s room and while they ate he told them stories of princesses and knights until they both fell asleep.

Rowan tucked both of them in bed and then sent a silent prayer to Mala to always look after them. 

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He took his work pickup and smiled at seeing the car seat in the back. That was just for that trip, he was going to move it back on his car. Now he was at the school and he was nervous.

Aelin had given him instruction were to park and where to go. Dutifully he left his pickup and ignored all the eyes turning to the fire department vehicle.

He joined the other parents outside the gates and noticed a few women staring at him.

“You must be new,” asked one “Which one is yours?”

“Oh I am just doing a favour to a friend.” 

“You are a firefighter?” Asked another one getting closer.

“Yes.” He hoped school finished soon so he could escape as quickly as possible.

Fate had pity on him and the bell rang, allowing the parents in . Rowan followed the instruction Aelin gave him and found Maya’s class.

“Whitethorn, I am here for Maya Galathynius.”

The teacher nodded “Aelin told us.” She weaved a hand “Maya darling, time to go home.”

A moment later a small tornado crashed again his legs “Rowan!!”

He crouched down “Hi you, ready to go?”

“Yes.” He grabbed her backpack and together they left the premises under the stare of almost all the mothers. He would have to give Aelin a head’s up of possible gossip coming.

When they reached his vehicle Maya was beaming “Is this yours?”

“Yes, it’s my work pickup. I am a firefighter.”

Maya gave him the most stunning smile “Let me help you in.”

Carefully he fastened her in and went at the front “Did you have a nice day?”

“Yes, we have learned more letters,” she replied happily “Can I write your name?”

“Of course, but at home.”

Next stop was the shop and he had to park near the river and walk hand in hand with Maya. The feeling was incredible and his daughters loved to tell him stories about some of the places and he listened.

“Hi Elide,” she screamed as they got inside the shop.

“Hi muffin,” the woman crouched down and squeezed hard “Ready for your weekend of fun with Rowan?”

Maya hugged his legs tenderly “so much.”

“Go and choose three books while I get your clothes from auntie Elide.”

Maya squealed and ran away.

Elide stared at Rowan admiring his daughter “You are already in love with her, aren’t you?”

“How could I not?” He added softly.

“This was a big step for Aelin.”

“I know and I am extremely grateful. I have been counting down the hours to this.”

Elide laughed and passed him the bags “Aelin packed a lot of her stuff, since you have no clothes for her. I think she dumped a lot of spares because you know… toddlers.”

“Yes, I have bought some too. They were so cute and I just could not resist.”

“Rowan, look, I have three.” Maya walked to him with her trophies.

Rowan crouched down and laughed”These are four but it’s fine. You can have all the books you want.”

Elide rang the items through the till and passed a bag to Maya “Go and have fun you two.”

They waved goodbye and went back to the car with Rowan carrying three duffels bags.

The drive home took a bit longer as the path to his house was snowier than usual and he was very careful at the presence he had with him “You live in the woods.”

“I do, do you like the woods?”

Maya nodded energetically “Mama and I walk a lot.”

At the house he heard his daughter gasp “your house is big.”

Rowan chuckled and went to free her.

“Let’s go in, it’s cold.”

In the lobby he removed her coat and her shoes and gave her slippers he had bought for her.

Once inside Maya was stunned “pretty.”

“Do you like it?”

“Yes.”

“Come, we are going upstairs and get changed.”

Slowly Maya climbed the stairs while Rowan followed behind keeping a tight an eye on her.

“Ready for your room?”

He opened the door and Maya ran inside and then he had to help her climb on the bed “It’s so big.”

He did not have a single bed so he had kept the double one.

While Maya explored the room and the few belongings he had placed, Rowan unpacked her clothes and took out her pyjama. He chose the elf one and called Maya “Come here so I can change your clothes.”

She walked to him hugging the elf toy he had bought her and that he had placed on the bed “Do you like that?”

“Yes, is it for me?”

“Of course.”

She hugged him “thank you.”

“Now pj on and then we can have dinner.”

Rowan helped Maya undress and then wear the night clothes. She looked adorable in the elf pyjama.

Once done, he lifted her in his arms and walked back downstairs.  

“Food?”

“Yeeeess!” She roared.

In the kitchen he sat her on a chair “Do you like mac and cheese?”

“Yes, nana makes it a lot. Mama loves it too.”

“Good,” he added, while getting all the ingredients ready “do you want to go and see hockey with me tomorrow?”

Maya’s face lit up, her green eyes shining in utter joy “The Stags?”

Rowan crouched and pushed away a rebel hair from her face “Yes. Do you like them too?”

“Yes, mama says they are the only team to like.”

Rowan laughed and stood again “your mum is absolutely right. They are the best team.”

“I want to play hockey too.”

He smiled “your mum told me, she is looking for a team for young kids.”

“I am not young. I am six in January.” She pouted.

Rowan bowed deeply “I am sorry m’lady, you are a big girl.” And at that she seemed to regain her cheerfulness pretty quickly.

When food was ready he sat at her side. He had even bought plates and cutlery for kids because they were lighter and easier to hold with smaller hands.

They were chatting away when Rowan’s phone rang and he saw it was Aelin. “Want to say hi to mum?”

He activated the video call and placed the phone against the jug of water.

“Mama.”

“Hello my love, are you having fun at Rowan’s?”

Maya eat a spoonful of her food “Yes. He made mac and cheese.”

“Oh you like that.”

“Yes and it’s really good.” She added “and I have a big room like a big girl. He bought me four books and an elf.” She lifted the toy so Aelin could see it.

“Mama misses you a lot.”

“I miss you too but I am having fun as well. Rowan has a big house in the woods. It’s so pretty.”

Aelin laughed on the other line “Good, promise me you will be good.”

“Yes, tomorrow we are going to the hockey.”

Aelin gasped “Now I am jealous. Make sure you wear your jersey, it’s in your bag. And take a lot of photos for me.”

Maya nodded and went back to her food “can I speak to your d— Rowan?”

He picked up the phone and switched off the camera and leaned against the counter while keeping an eye on Maya.

“It sounds like she is having a great time.”

Rowan chuckled “she is not the only one,” he whispered “I love so much having her here. I went on a shopping spree. Thank you for this.”

“She is very low maintenance, keep her interested and you are sorted.”

“How’s Rifthold?”

“Far too warm for November. I miss the snow.”

Another deep laugh “it’s snowing heavily again, so my morning will be spent shovelling the driveway.”

“That’s what you get to live in the woods.”

He chuckled “I would not change it for anything in the world.”

“Rowan, I finished.” Screamed Maya lifting the plate on her head to show him she had eaten all of her food.

“Can I just wish her goodnight before I go?”

Rowan passed the phone to Maya and mother and daughter said their goodbyes, then he took it back “Call me tomorrow evening again, and I will make sure I will send you a lot of photos.”

“Thank you. Good night Rowan.”

He closed the call and went back to his daughter “would you like strawberries?”

“Yes, I like them.”

Dinner went smoothly and Rowan was pleased to see that Maya ate all he offered. He loved cooking and enjoyed the chance to cook once for another person.

“Maya, I need to wash the dishes and clean, you can sit on the table and draw or colour or you can go and play in the living room, just stay nearby.”

She remained on the chair “Can I stay with you?”

“Of course, tell me what you would like to do while you are here.”

She placed her index finger and looked up in a pensive position and he saw so much of Aelin mannerism in his daughter “The aquarium.”

Rowan turned lightly “Do you want to go?”

Maya nodded enthusiastically.

“Ok, Maya we have a plan, we are going to the hockey tomorrow and on Sunday to the aquarium.”

“Rowan?”

“Yes?”

“Do you have milk chocolate?”

Rowan cursed deeply. “No Maya, we can go and buy it tomorrow?” He paused “What if I make you my special hot chocolate?”

Maya got off the chair interested.

Rowan moved her chair near the stove “Kneel here and watch?”

He grabbed the milk and the bar of dark chocolate that he had bought in case Maya wanted it. He grabbed a pan and started breaking the bar in it. Once the heat was on he poured milk and began stirring.

“It’s melting,” exclaimed Maya.

“Yes, and it’s really good.”

It was ten minutes later when he filled two cups “Let’s go in the living room.”

Together they walked to the living room and Maya climbed on the sofa with her toy.

“We ned to wait a bit because the chocolate it’s hot.”

Rowan gave her the blanket and covered her legs “Do you want to watch something?”

“Mama and I don’t watch a lot of tv.”

He smiled “I know but I have a super movie,” he took out the dvd case of My Neighbour Totoro “This is really good, is one of me favourite movies.”

Maya looked at the case “I love him, can I have him?”

Rowan placed the DVD in the player and sat back down. Maya shifted closer to him and he hugged her  closer.

Maya remained silent and attentive until Totoro appeared “he is cute.”

“He is a forest spirit,” explained Rowan happily.

“Can we go in the forest and find him?”

He nodded solemnly “once the snow is gone we can try and spot him.”

Maya grinned and climbed on Rowan’s lap allowing him to fully enclose her in his arms. Rowan gently caressed her hair, feeling his chest bursting with the deep desire to hear the word dad coming out of her lips. He wanted to shout to everyone that he was a dad, but for now he just enjoyed every moment he could with her.

Chocolate over, Maya started to doze off so Rowan scooped her up and climbed to the upper floor.

Gently he tucked her in and took a quick photo to send Aelin. He then sat at her side, brushing her back and making sure that she was fully asleep. 

“Good night, baby.” He whispered with love “You just entered my life but I already love you so much,” another gentle brush of her hair “I am your dad and I am looking forward to the moment I can tell you.” His lips pressed a gentle kiss on her silver hair, then watched her sleep until he was positive she was not waking up. Eventually he made his way to his bedroom and climbed in bed with a book. Aelin texted him back and they chatted until she left for bed.

Rowan grabbed his book again and a smile was etched on his face.

He fell asleep with the thought of the little girl, his little girl, sleeping on the other side of the corridor.

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With Aelin, they had agreed on a location and Rowan was waiting patiently. The park was stunning, now all white from the heavy snow. Not far there was an ice rink and he wandered about ice skating with both.

“Rowan!” A familiar voice called his name and in the distance he spotted Aelin with Maya on hand. A smile spread on his face as they got closer. Maya was wearing an elf hat with arms and legs, whereas Aelin’s had the big face of a cartoon panda on hers. His heart raced madly. How was it possible that he was already in love with the little girl?

Aelin got closer and he waved at both. Maya craned her neck to look up at him “mama, he is tall,” he heard her whisper so he crouched down  “Hi, I am Rowan and  I am a friend of your mum.”

Maya extended her hand to him “I am Maya,” she then extended the same hand to touch his hair while at the same time she removed her hat with the other “I have silver hair too.”

Rowan brushed his hair with a hand “Yours is prettier,” he looked up at Aelin “You have fairy hair.” 

The girl’s face broke in a wide grin “Mama I am a fairy.”

Rowan stood “It’s cold out here, shall we go for food?”

“I am hungry.” Rowan laughed, she might be his clone physically but he was positive she was all Aelin.

She agreed and mother and daughter began walking and he followed. He wanted to hold Maya’s hand badly but reined in his instincts. Baby steps. He had promised. At the cafe he took their orders and asked them to find a seat. Aelin tried to complain that she could pay for lunch but Rowan refused. To be honest he needed a minute away to sort his feelings. Although Aelin had offered a truce, he was still mad at her. He’d be civil but for now all he cared about was getting to know Maya. 

Fifteen minutes later he walked back to the table with a tray full of food. He sat down opposite them and for a moment the silence stretched. Then he grabbed his messenger bag and pulled out a present “Your mum tells me that you love astronomy.”

Maya’s face lit up, her pine green eyes shone with joy “Yes, I am learning the stars.”

Rowan passed her the gift “open this.”

She did and squealed in delight at the book.

“Beginner astronomy for children.” He read to her.

“I love it.”

“What do we say, Maya?”

“Thank you.”

“You can use it with grampa.” Added Aelin brushing her daughter’s head.

Jealousy cursed through Rowan. He had a backyard in a part of town far away from pollution and a telescope “Or I can teach you,” he heard himself say and Aelin glared at him in warning.

“I have a telescope.”

Maya turned to her mother “Can I? Please?”

He had already gone too far and he could see that Aelin was ready to strangle him.

“We’ll see, Maya. Rowan is really busy.”

“Okay,” she added dejected and the rejection stung Rowan too.

Fine. Add it to the list of things he would have to discuss with Aelin in private. He bit down his anger and went back to Maya “What is your favourite constellation?

She looked up at him while taking a bite of her food “I like the trio of Mala. She is my favourite.”

Rowan smiled. That was a very bright constellation near the Lord of the North “I like the winged warrior,” added Rowan, then grabbed her book and found the page for the constellations and showed it to Maya “this one.”

“It’s so pretty.”

“You can only see it with a telescope and only during a certain time of the year,” he explained “Do you know why?”

Maya shook her head.

Rowan opened the book at the centre where there was a pop up map of the firmament over Erilea “This one,” he pointed to a very specific group of stars “Is the golden queen. Legends have it that the Winged warrior chases her over the sky and they appear close only during the summer solstice.”

“The warrior loves the queen?”

“Very much,” he added “But the Raven queen,” he pointed to another cluster “has separated them so now he has to follow her and see her only once a year.”

Aelin stared in silence. He had told her that story a long time ago when they had gone camping and one warm evening they had slept outside the tent staring at the stars. They had made love under the sky. Her heart clenched at the memory.

“Mama do you have a book about the star stories?”

“I will look tomorrow.”

Rowan was about to say that he had one at home but stopped. He had already crossed one boundary. He had to stay on Aelin’s good books. 

They chatted all the way through lunch and Aelin let father and daughter talk without too many interruptions. Maya was already mesmerised by him.

Once lunch was finished Maya started asking to go to the ice rink and when she grabbed Rowan’s hand and started pulling him, he froze. Until that moment he had kept his distance but the feeling of her small hand in his, had the power to crush him.

“Can you skate, Rowan?”

Aelin giggled “He used to play hockey.”

Maya looked up at him dreamingly “I want to play hockey too.”

Rowan looked at Aelin “Do you want to show me how good you are?”

“Mama can we skate?”

“I’ll be at the side. You two are the brave ones.”

At the rink Rowan asked permission and Aelin nodded. He grabbed his daughter’s hand and they walked to the booth to pay and hire the skates.

They sat down and Rowan wore his with experienced efficiency but Maya struggled so he turned to her “This way.” He tied her laces.

“Mama is teaching me to tie my shoes.”

Once ready, he placed the shoes in the box where the skates used to be and grabbed Maya’s hand again.

Aelin leaned against the barrier and watched them. She loved hockey but was not a good skater. She would go if Maya asked but spent most of the time grabbing the side barriers for dear life. She stared and Rowan holding Maya’s hand and the two gliding inside smoothly. She knew that Rowan had played in high school and while he was in Terrasen had joined the TFD team. She used to go and watch him play. The biggest match of the year was the showdown between PD and the fire department the day after the solstice. They had a friendly rivalry and wondered if it was still the case.

“Mama, look.” Her daughter’s voice woke her up from her thoughts. Rowan had moved to a quieter spot and was showing Maya how to move her feet properly. Within a few minutes her daughter was skating back and forth on her own along an imaginary line. Rowan hovered by her in protection. The following few minutes happened in front of her eyes in slow motion. Maya escaped Rowan’s protective shield, screaming happily that she was playing hockey. Until another kid lost control and slammed into her pretty hard.

Aelin gasped and froze, running toward the side of the rink where they were.

Rowan reacted with the instinct of a first responder. A second later he was at Maya’s side while glaring at the boy who had crashed into Maya.

“Maya?”

“It hurts.”

She was holding her arm. Rowan assessed her and deduced that it was likely broken. At that age bones were still forming and bent more easily.

“I know. Stay still for me, please.”

An assistant from the ice rink came to him asking if he needed help but Rowan told that he was a firefighter and a trained paramedic. He only asked for the cloth sling that usually was in a first aid box and a few minutes later the assistant came back with it.

“Maya, I am going to place this around your arm so it does not move, okay?”

The girl nodded quietly.

Once he was done he lifted Maya in his arms and skated back to the entrance. Aelin was there a second later with terror in her face “Remove her skates while I change mine.”

Aelin was shaking and barely registered his words.

“Do you have a car? I took public transport here.”

Aelin nodded.

“Good. You drive to the hospital.”

She stared at Rowan in silence. While she was falling apart with terror he was calm and focused and in that instant she thanked Mala for his career as first responder. She had been taken over by panic.

Back in the car Rowan sat with Maya in his arms. A hand gently cradling her injured limb to keep it as steady as possible “I know, it hurts. I am sorry.” He cooed at a fussy Maya.

At the hospital they parked quickly and Rowan sprang outside with Aelin in tow. He waltzed into the A&E with confidence and went to the admission desk “Maya Galathynius, 5 years old, ice injury, possible greenstick fracture. No LOC.”

The nurse looked at him with a puzzled expression. They were used to panicked parents screaming to help their children but Rowan had rattled the information like a pro.

“I will call a doctor right away.”

Aelin stood at his side and tried to calm a weepy Maya.

The doctor arrived pretty quickly and took the girl away and Rowan pulled Aelin to the waiting room. She slumped on the chair and cried. Rowan slung an arm around her back and pulled closer “She will be fine,” he whispered “Very likely a greenstick fracture.”

Aelin looked up at him “what is that?”

“Kids’ bones are still very flexible because they are still growing so, instead of actually breaking they just bend in what it’s called a greenstick fracture,” he explained “Imagine bending a very green stem. It does not snap, it just bend and the layers fray.”

“How can you be so calm?”

He sighed and sat back in his chair “It’s only externally. When I heard her scream I froze for a second but then training kicked in and I managed to push the panic aside.”

“You were good with her in the car.”

Rowan chuckled “Do I get a brownie point?”

Aelin looked at him in a curious expression.

“I assume you are keeping a tally. From the glare you gave at lunch I know I lost a few points when I mentioned I had a telescope.”

She was silent. That comment had taken her by surprise “I am not keeping scores.”

“Well then set some damn rules. Tell me what I can and can’t do.” He snarled trying to keep his voice low.

“I just want you to check with me before you suggest things. She is my daughter.” She answered placing emphasis on the possessive pronoun.

“Our daughter.”

“That remains to be seen.”

Rowan was about to reply but a doctor walked to them “Mr and Mrs Galathynius, your daughter is fine.”

“We are not married,” Aelin corrected him quickly and she felt Rowan stiffen at her side.

“Maya is fine. It’s a greenstick fracture. Very common in children. We have immobilised the arm with a cast.” The doctor kept explaining the next few steps and then a nurse joined them carrying Maya in a wheelchair.

Aelin relaxed when she saw her daughter smiling “mama, look, I have a green cast.” She hugged her daughter fiercely “I am sorry, baby.”

“Mama I am okay. The doctor says I have a super arm now.” She proudly waved her injured limb and Aelin let out a wet chuckle.

Rowan mussed her hair “I am glad you are okay.”

“Can I take her home?”

The doctor nodded and Aelin pulled Maya to her then turned to Rowan “I can drive you to the next subway station.”

“No, I can walk.” He added coldly then turned to Maya and crouched down “Study the book I gave you so next time I see you I can quiz you.”

Maya grinned “Yes.” 

He then stood and walked away ignoring Aelin completely.

On his walk home he called Vaughan but had no answer so he texted his friend I need your help.

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