Was it even possible to deny her when she was smiling and asking so happily?

No. He suspected not. That made Mable a very dangerous little girl, and he suddenly understood how her desire to travel could take someone all the way across the sea. Her poor brother probably did all sorts of reckless things for her, all for the sake of that happy smile.

Malachi did take another few moments to consider, weighing the risks against the (admittedly worse) possibility of disappointing Mable, and finally gave a nod.

“Yes, we can, really,” he answered with a smile. “Just hold on and be careful.”

They had only just passed by the bridge, so he motioned for them to turn around and started back towards it. Not to dive off of it – God no – but it looked to be an easier path down to the water, beside the bridge. Malachi quickened his pace to walk ahead of her once the street gave way to dirt and sand, and when he had gotten close enough to the water that the ground beneath was damp and compact, he held out his arm to Mable.

“There might be slippery rocks under the water,” he warned for good measure.