“Sounds good,” Elijah said. “My dad always insisted on a tie, which was pretty ridiculous.”
“Here at the estate, we only dress more formally at special dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
“And for the wedding on Saturday, I imagine.”
“Yes, we’ll be dressed up for that. Do you have a suit with you?”
“I certainly do,” Elijah said. “My mom insisted I pack one when I went to the treatment center. Maybe she assumed there would be a graduation program. I doubt she thought I’d need one to attend a wedding, however.”
“You’ll have to take a picture to show her.”
“You’re sure it’s okay for me to attend?”
“Yes. I checked with Duncan already.”
“Okay. Well, let me go get freshened up.”
“You’ve got twenty minutes,” Julian said as he opened the door to his room.
“Yes, sir.”
In his room, Julian went through the motions of preparing for dinner. At the treatment center, things had been a bit more relaxed, and he found that he had enjoyed that.
Buttoning his shirt, he felt like he was putting on a costume. For the longest time, he’d chosen to wear suits, even when he didn’t need to. It was like he hoped that people would see his professionalism and not look beyond it to his internal struggles.
He went to his bathroom to brush his hair, but he didn’t apply the product that he usually used to keep it in place. He’d gotten used to not styling his hair while in the treatment center. It was a small thing, but it made him feel more comfortable.
With five minutes until dinner, Julian left his room. Elijah’s door stood open, and he appeared as soon as Julian rapped on his door jamb.
As they approached the stairs, Julian spotted Kiara coming toward them with Angela. Julian’s steps slowed as he took in the sight of her.
Her curly hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she wore a loose-fitting floral top that skimmed over her bump. She looked tired, and her face a touch paler than he remembered, but her eyes—those warm hazel eyes—brightened when she saw him.
"Julian," she said, with a smile. "Welcome home."
Something unexpected shifted in his chest at her words.Home. Was this place home to him now? He wasn't sure, but hearing her say it felt right somehow.
"Thanks," he managed.
When he reached her, he hesitated, uncertain how to greet her. A handshake seemed too formal, a kiss too intimate. He settled for a brief, gentle hug, careful not to press too close to her growing belly.
“How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice softer than he'd intended.
“Better after a nap," she said. "I read somewhere that a lot of women feel great during the second trimester. I am not one of those women. I just hope I feel good for the wedding."
"This is Elijah," Julian said, stepping back to include his friend in the conversation.
"It's wonderful to meet you." Kiara's face lit up with genuine warmth as she extended her hand to Elijah. "Julian's told me about you in his letters."
Julian watched as Elijah shook her hand, noting how his friend's expression softened at her friendly demeanor.
"All good things, I hope," Elijah said with a smile.
"Very good things," Kiara assured him. "I'm glad you could come for the wedding."
Angela cleared her throat. "We should probably head down. You know how Duncan gets when we're late."
As they made their way down the stairs, Julian walked beside Kiara while Angela and Elijah chatted behind them. The delicious aroma of dinner drifted up from the kitchen, and Julian realized he was starving.
