Burn Me Once Burn With Me (Ruby Grayson) novel Chapter 449

“Fanny!”

Mira, perched on Ruby’s shoulder, her bright eyes darting around the room, immediately spotted Fanny standing behind her mother.

She was still so little, but unusually sharp for her age. Not only could she recognize everyone close to Ruby, but she could even call out their names with impressive clarity.

Fanny stepped forward, gently taking Mira’s small hand and giving it a soft shake. “Good girl, Mira. Fanny’s right here.”

Nearly every eye in the room was drawn to the adorable child.

Pamela chimed in with a cheerful laugh. “So many people in the house today! Usually, Mira loves a crowd. Not sure why she’s so fussy this time—maybe it’s that special bond between mother and daughter. She must know you’re leaving soon.”

As if to prove Pamela right, Mira bobbed her head up and down like a little spring toy.

“This sweetheart really does love company,” Hayley said, scooting closer, curiosity shining in her eyes.

It was Mira’s first time meeting Hayley, but she showed no shyness at all—grinning, she reached out to tug playfully at Hayley’s braid. Even so, she was gentle, more fascinated than rough, just turning the braid over in her chubby hands.

Townsend tried to join in, but as soon as he came near, Hayley nudged him away with her foot.

“Ruby, can I hold Mira?” Garrison asked suddenly.

“Of course.”

Ruby turned, meeting Garrison’s hopeful gaze, and carefully passed Mira over.

Since he’d never held a child before, Garrison was extra cautious, moving slowly as if one wrong move might send Mira tumbling.

Mira, however, was perfectly at ease. She wrapped her soft arms around Garrison’s neck, snuggling close.

The tiny, gentle weight against his neck brought a rush of emotion that Garrison couldn’t quite name. He’d always loved children.

Ruby watched the normally reserved Garrison, his face glowing with delight, and couldn’t help but smile.

“Looks like Mira really is everyone’s sweetheart,” Pamela said from the side, shaking her head in admiration.

Ruby was busy—she’d always been the one looking after Mira. She’d worked as a nanny before, met plenty of kids, but never one as bright and charming as Mira.

“Pamela, I’ll be away for a few days. You’ll be the only one here to watch Mira, so please be careful when you go out,” Ruby said, making sure Pamela understood.

Garrison, holding Mira and freeing Ruby’s hands, added his own reminder. “Take care, Pamela.”

“Oh, I can come help at Southgarde Estate if you need,” Hayley offered with a grin. “Just let me see the piano sheet music and I’m set.”

Garrison quickly added, “Since you won’t let me go with you to Stormhaven, and I’ve got some free time in Quinborough, I’ll come by Southgarde Estate whenever I can.”

Ruby smiled at their eagerness. “You’re all welcome—just give Pamela a call before you come over.”

Garrison’s heart swelled with joy as he looked down at Mira, who seemed to sense the warmth of her mother’s friends. She pouted her rosy cheeks, hugging Garrison’s arm and nuzzling close—irresistibly cute.

“Garry!” she called out.

Garrison’s eyes lit up, his fingers trembling with excitement.

“Seems she’s learned your name,” Ruby said with a laugh.

“What about me? I’m Hayley!” Hayley leaned in eagerly.

Mira blinked her big eyes. “Hayley!”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify