The warmth of the bakery seeped into Uzoth’s soul.
He held Ruthie in his arms, carefully rocking the sleeping baby back and forth. Everyone moved around the bakery, preparing for the Christmas feast.
Meanwhile, Graal set up the dining table in the front area of the bakery. The rest baked, fried, chopped, kneaded, and took part in all sorts of preparatory cooking activities Uzoth did not fully comprehend, since he did not consume food. Uzoth silently watched them, curious but doing his best to keep out of the way whilst rocking Ruthie.
Briar’s familiar, Archimedes, sat in the bird box above the door. He, too, watched over everyone.
Should he ask to help in some way? But beyond making tea, he did not know how he could be of help. And he thought that perhaps taking care of Ruthie was enough for now. Something rubbed against his leg. He glanced down. Kit, in his cat form, circled him.
“I cannot pat you at the moment, Kit,” Uzoth explained. “I apologise, but Ruthie is asleep in my arms, and I must be careful to not disturb her rest. Ordelia said she has not been sleeping well of late.”
Kit blinked up at him. Then prowled towards his cushion beneath a table and curled up.
Uzoth glanced at Briar and Wulfric, who chopped vegetables. It had been revealed earlier that day that Briar had unintentionally cast a siren spell that summoned romantic and sexual love. Because of that, Uzoth and Grady, as well as several of the others, including Briar and Wulfric, had found love this Christmas season.
Whilst Grady had been disturbed by Briar casting a spell he’d not comprehended, Uzoth felt a surge of gratitude towards Briar for his foolish but wonderful mistake. After all, if not for that spell, perhaps he would still be watching Grady and his siblings from above.
Voices, laughter, and the sounds of food being prepared for the feast filled the room. Uzoth let the noise wash over him. He glanced at Ruthie. Her eyes remained shut. “I am glad the noise does not disturb you, little one.”
Ordelia walked over to him. A light sweat dampened her brow. “Do you need a break? You’ve been holding her for a while now.”
“It is an honour to protect and care for your offspring, Ordelia.” Uzoth continued to steadily rock Ruthie. “In fact, I find her steady presence comforting in my arms.”
Ordelia’s eyes twinkled. “Well, you’re welcome to take her whenever you wish.”
“Thank you. I will take you up on that. I enjoy guarding her.” Uzoth looked down into her relaxed face. “She is sleeping very well at present.”
Ordelia gave a hearty laugh. “She is, isn’t she? That must be all you, since she has been struggling to sleep.” She pointed at the two knobs on Ruthie’s forehead. “See, her horns are coming in. It keeps her awake. But look at her sleeping now! She must like her Uncle Uzoth.”
Uzoth’s heart seized in his chest. “Uncle…Uncle Uzoth?”
“Of course. You’re with Grady. That makes you part of the family and therefore her uncle.” Ordelia placed a hand on his shoulder. “And I’m so glad everything worked out between you and Grady. He was being a complete cockhead.” She smiled. “But he’s come to his senses.” She glanced at Grady, who rolled out some sort of dough. “I’m happy for him. And you.”
“I am very happy with Grady.” Uzoth paused. “And I am happy and honoured to be part of your family. I will do all I can to protect you all,” he vowed.
She laughed and squeezed his arm. “You’re sweet.” Then she glanced behind her. “I need to get back. Give a yell if you need me.”
“I will.” Uzoth bowed his head.
Grady placed a pie in the oven and walked over to Uzoth. “You all right?” He smiled at Ruthie.
“We are both well,” Uzoth said. “And you?”
“Good,” Grady said, although he drew out the word. “But it’s hard. I’m trying to step back, give fewer instructions, and let the others lead.” Grady wiped his hands on his apron. “I’m so used to being in control. But I’m still doing it.”
“That is the important part,” Uzoth said.
“Yeah.” Grady’s gaze ran over his siblings. “But it’s a little painful to realise I am not as needed as I thought I was.” He gave a smile. “But it’s good. I need to allow them to grow up. For their sakes as well as for mine.”
With Ruthie in his arms, Uzoth could not touch Grady with his hands, so he reached out his tail and stroked Grady’s back. “They will always need you. You took care of them for so many years. They may need you less as they grow, but they will always need and look up to you.”
Grady let out a shaky breath. He smiled at Uzoth. “Thanks.” He kissed Uzoth. “I need to keep cooking.”
“Then go. Ruthie and I are fine.” Uzoth continued to rock the baby.
At one point, Tony, Ordelia’s husband, came over and asked, “Are you sure you’re still okay holding Ruthie?”
Ruthie had woken now but seemed happy to be in his arms, playing with his tail.
“I am fine.” Uzoth smiled. “I am content here with Ruthie.”
“Well, if you’re sure. Let me know if you get bored.” Tony clapped him on the shoulder before going off to fry something.
Uzoth was not bored. He was amongst the witches he’d silently watched over for years. They bristled with activity and noise. How could he be bored whilst amongst these individuals?
After a while, Jack came over. “Can I take her for a bit, Uzoth? I haven’t had time with my niece in a while.”
“Of course you may.” Uzoth handed her over, although he missed her weight in his arms. He enjoyed being her guardian.
After handing her over, he watched Jack smile down at his niece. Then Uzoth walked to the back door. He stepped out, closing the door behind him. Snow fell and landed on his skin. Craning his neck, he stared up at the spot where he had squatted all those times before.
The door opened. Uzoth turned.
Grady came up beside him. “Are you all right?”
Once again, Uzoth gazed at the rooftops. “For so many years, I watched you all from up above.”
Grady took his hand. “And now you are one of us.”
Uzoth nodded, throat tight. “Ordelia said I am part of the family.”
“You are.” Grady squeezed his hand. “How do you feel about that?”
“Honoured.” Uzoth faced Grady. “I have been alone for so many years. It is a great blessing to be part of your family and be able to protect you and them. For so long, I have wished for a true purpose, for those to guard.” Uzoth stepped closer to Grady, gazing down into his face. “And I have wished for someone to stand beside me. With you, I have found that. With you, I am not alone.”
Grady smiled softly at him. “Your wish came true, then, like a Christmas wish, a gargoyle’s Christmas wish.”
Snowflakes continued to fall. In the bakery, voices, laughter, and the clatter of kitchenware could be heard.
“Come inside.” Grady tugged his hand. “Come be with me and let’s celebrate Christmas. That’s where you belong. Not out here in the cold. Not anymore.”
Uzoth smiled and followed Grady into the warmth, leaving the snow and the cold of the alley behind.