“You mean Lyra and Gen,” Silas raised his eyebrow.
“Uh...yes.” Hiram took a breath. “I want them, Silas.”
“What?”
“I mean...” The big man blushed. “I can’t stop thinking about them. About maybe making a family with them. It’s as if the empty place in my life just kicked me up the shaft and pointed to them, telling me they could fill it for me.”
“Picturesquely put,” blinked Silas. “But you probably should talk to them about it first.”
“Well, of course I will,” he blustered. “But I just thought you should know before I do.”
Slapping his friend on the shoulder, Silas grinned. “I think it is a wonderful idea, Hiram. I really do. You’ve been a different man since they arrived, and I’ve seen you smile more in the last couple of days than in more months than I can count.”
“They make me happy,” Hiram touched his chest. “Something in here feels like...like it’s awakening.”
“That’s as it should be. But before you start drawing hearts and flowers on my walls, how about we talk about the day’s plans over breakfast?”
“Good idea,” said Hiram, happily slapping his friend on the back and nearly knocking him into the large clock hanging nearby.
Silas sighed. It looked like it was going to be a long day.
Chapter Fourteen
Dorothea walked into breakfast feeling a little shabby. She’d done what she could with what she had, but she’d packed little that could be considered formal wear. However, it helped to know that Lyra was in the same position.
“Ladies, you all look lovely this morning,” smiled Silas as he walked in.
“We’re all doing the best we can,” sighed Dorothea. “But since these are unusual times, I think we can all be permitted some leeway when it comes to our ensembles.”
“Doesn’t everyone dress up really fancy for the Turning of the Green?” Gen peeped at her over a piece of toast and marmalade.
“A lot of people do, yes,” said Dorothea, seating herself. “But there are also many, many people like us, who just want to enjoy the sights, and listen to the music, and so on.”
“There’s music?” Gen’s eyes widened.
“Oh yes, lots of music.”
“I think we were always too far down to hear it, sweetheart,” sighed Lyra. “But we did see the lights and eventually the garlands, didn’t we? And last year we got close enough to the Lumen Wall to see a little of the end of the ceremony.”
“Will we be higher this year?”
Hiram and Silas walked in as Gen asked the question.
“You will be right at the top, little one,” smiled Hiram. “You and your Mama will be sitting next to me and possibly Silas if he hasn’t anywhere else to sit.”
“Oh,” Gen whispered. “That is so wonderful...thank you.” She slid from her chair and went to Silas, hugging his leg.
He picked her up, gave her a peck on the cheek and carried her back to her seat. “We’re going to have the best Turning of the Green ever, I promise.” His gaze landed on Lyra. “All of us.”
There was a distinct bloom of colour on the young woman’s cheeks as she looked up at Hiram, her expression so filled with joy that Dorothea had to look away, lest she do something silly like sniffle back a tear or two.
“And, oh my goodness. Mr Silas...”
Lyra’s exclamation covered Dorothea’s emotions as well, since he’d strolled into the room looking very different to the man she’d kissed last night.
Now? Now he was a gentleman, as fine a gentleman as she could imagine, and one perfectly garbed for the highest society levels of Arcvale.
She must have made some sound, since he shot her a warm look as he sat at the table. “Eat up, everyone. We have a busy and exciting day ahead of us.”
