Another Year

Delaney gave her father a big hug as he went to leave.

"Now you be a good girl for you're auntie, okay? After I get all settled at the castle again, you can come stay for a bit, how does that sounds?"

Delaney nodded her head enthusastically and threw her arms around the man again. "Love you Daddy."

"I love you too Del-Bel, remember, be good." Again she nodded, and moved herself to huddle by her aunts leg as she was set down.

Smiling Colin straighted, and turned to his sister, kissing her cheek, "Thanks Bridge - you're the best you know that; if you're good you can come visit me too." He teased with a grin before turning and waving and heading back to the castle.

Bridget watched as her brother gave Del a goodbye hugand patted her head as she came over to hug her legs. She laughed at her brother's attempt of a joke "Funny, my brother the comedian." she said and gave him a hug. She had been trying to get a stronger bond with Collin and it was working but not to the fullest extent.

Colin gave her a half smile as he departed, "And don't you forget it."

Giving another wave the man disappeared.

Delaney watched him go quietly. Last year there had been many tears over such a parting, but she was six now, too big for tears.

"Bye Bye Daddy," she called with a wave before looking at her aunt. "Auntie Bwidget," a year older still hadn't stopped her slurring of her 'r's "We gunna get candy today? Are we? Are we? Are we?"