The Unspoken Accord
The legacy wasn't just in a name or a fortune, it was in the curious, keen mind snuggled in his arms.
"A cipher," William explained gently, "is a secret way of writing. So only the people who know the key can understand the message."
Bella considered this, her brow furrowing in a way that was so like Mimi it made his heart clench. "So it's a secret promise?" she asked.
Mimi reached out, smoothing Bella's hair. "Yes, my love. The strongest kind."
On the baby monitor on the desk, a soft snuffle sounded, followed by the sleepy, murmured nonsense words of Ryan, talking in his dreams, no doubt of kites and infinite lawns to run across.