"Finish your breakfast first.I promise it's worth waiting for, though it's nothing extravagant."
"If it's not extravagant, then it can't be you," Ancelin teased, taking another bite of her eggs.Her eyes never left his face as she ate.
When she finished, he whisked the tray away to the dresser and disappeared briefly.He returned cradling four packages wrapped in the paper she had given him earlier, each fold crisp and precise.
"You didn't have to," she whispered, eyes brightening."The breakfast was already too much."
"It's your birthday," he said simply."And I'm rather skilled with my hands."
"Well, you are a surgeon," she replied.
"I wanted you to have something to unwrap today.You're always thinking of everyone else."He placed the first gift in her hands."Your turn to be thought of."
She tore away the paper to reveal a silk ivory negligee with delicate lace tracing a plunging neckline—a garment designed to embrace every contour.
"It's beautiful," she breathed, leaning forward to press her lips against his cheek.
"Not as beautiful as you'll be in it," he murmured against her ear."Though I can't promise it’ll stay on long."
"Smooth talker," she laughed.
He handed her the second package.Inside lay a matching dressing gown of the same ethereal lace.
"How did you find these here on Verrian?"
“Krammer’s store had them.Katie orders them,” he said.“When I was there, I asked if he had anything special you might like.When I came back, Katie showed me what he had and helped me choose.She has good taste.Here—open these.”
She unwrapped the two remaining packages and found a scented bubble bath and soaps, plus a lovely set of combs.“These are wonderful.We can enjoy the bubble bath together.”She climbed off the bed, sat on his lap, and looped her arms around his neck.“I should call Lena today.Will you talk to her?I hope she’s nice to you—I’d love for you two to get to know each other.She’s like family to me.”
“Of course,” he said.“I’ll talk to your friend Lena—anything that makes you happy.And will you wear this nightgown tonight, so after our guests leave, we can have a private party?”He kissed her neck.She fidgeted in his arms.“I want to see you in it.”He pointed to the silky gown on the bed.“Just thinking about you in that makes me hard.You’re so beautiful.But if you put it on now, we won’t be ready in time for your party.”
"Later," she whispered, fingering the lace trim."I promise to model it for you, but you have to swear not to destroy it.The fabric wouldn't survive your enthusiasm.I'm saving it for Mars."
"Mars will see you in far more exquisite things than that."His lips brushed her temple.
In the downstairs office, the Satphone's connection crackled.Ancelin's shoulders fell when Lena's voicemail greeted her."Lena, it's me.Sorry for the silence.We're celebrating today—you'd love it.Krevan sends his regards."She twisted the cord around her finger."Everything's perfect here.He's...wonderful to me.Let's do SatView soon so you can see for yourself.Please don't fret.I'll keep trying to reach you.Miss you."The line went dead beneath her finger.
“Well,” he said, “let’s get set up.Put those boxes away.I have everything we need for the party.I’ll start baking cookies and preparing salads and finger sandwiches for lunch.For dinner, I’m planning a tartis roast and eight young chicks—could you fetch and prep them?I’ll make other sides and that chocolate pudding you liked.”
“Eight chicks?”he repeated.“You’re not squeamish about eating birds you just...you know, plucked?”He grinned.“I know you Earth girls can be.”
She laughed."On Earth or Verrian, nothing beats a fresh-roasted bird.And don't worry—the plucking's all yours."Her eyes sparkled."I've got that bread we made yesterday for stuffing.With these spices—" she held up a small pouch, inhaling deeply, "—it'll remind me of holidays back home.Kellie and Derrick probably haven't had a proper feast in ages."She tied her apron strings."Katie's bringing homemade ice cream.Can you imagine finding that on Verrian?Oh!I still need to make those decorative bows."She twirled toward the kitchen, trailing excitement behind her.
"That's enough food for an army," he called after her.
Ancelin poked her head back around the doorframe."Three hungry men and an all-day visit means I'm cooking for an army.Speaking of which—what will you three even talk about all afternoon?"
“I’ll try to come up with something,” Krevan replied.“I was sociable once.If conversation fails, we’ve got SatView—neither of them has it, so they’ll enjoy whatever I find.Maybe a sports match.Food and screen time are a classic male bonding combo.”He paused.“Want me to go kill the birds for dinner?”
“Don’t say it like that,” she scolded.
“All right—how then?”
“Tell me the birds are donating themselves to our meal.Much nicer.”
“Of course, my sweet,” he grinned.“I’ll let our fine feathered donors know their service is appreciated—and I’ll pluck their generous contributions.I’ll also check if the tartis have returned; I left feed for them.Then I’ll put on some music for you.Call if you need me—I can hear you all the way from the barn.”
He went off to follow her instructions.Ancelin made herself busy in the kitchen, the air filled with mouthwatering aromas.The table and island were artfully arranged, and in the living room, wrapped gifts and tokens waited for Kellie and Katie.Soft music played.The house was warm, welcoming—almost like a home on Earth.
