Gabriel's lips curved, sharp but fond. "I tolerate her. Barely."
Rowena squirmed at the sound of his voice, turning her head toward him, her small fists waving as though demanding attention. Gabriel sighed, setting aside the fig he hadn't finished and extending his arms with an exasperated little huff. "Give her here, then, before she decides to wage war from your shoulder."
Alexandra's brows arched in surprise, though her smirk was quick. "You didn't even make me argue."
"Because she already is," Gabriel replied dryly, and took his niece without hesitation.
Rowena settled into his arms with a soft coo, her dark lashes blinking open, curious eyes catching the lamplight as she fixed on him. One tiny hand shot forward immediately, closing clumsily on the edge of his shirt collar.
