Around noon the Krammers arrived.At the doorbell, Ancelin dashed towards the stairs.“Krevan, I’m late—let them in, be gracious,” she called.
He flashed a grin.“You think I’m rude?Afraid I’ll bite your guests?”He bared his teeth playfully.
“Offer them a drink—and no biting!”
“Yes, my sweet mate,” he shouted up the stairs, opening the door.“Hello, Katie and Carl, welcome!Come on in.Ancelin’s upstairs getting ready; she’ll be down in a moment.Kellie and Derrick aren’t here yet.”
Katie's eyes widened as she stepped into the house."Oh my," she whispered, running her fingers along the polished banister of the staircase.She inhaled deeply."Something smells amazing."Following Krevan into the kitchen, she gasped at the decorations."Kellie's going to burst into tears when she sees this.Yesterday she was already crying when we told her the highchair was gone.I've been biting my tongue so hard to keep this secret!Ancelin must have worked for days on all this."
"She's something special," Krevan agreed, opening the cool unit."Drink?She left strict instructions about me being hospitable.There are snacks too, but I've been warned not to let anyone touch them until everyone arrives."
Krammer slipped his arm around Katie's waist."Taking orders, are you?Welcome to the husband club."He planted a kiss on Katie's cheek."This one's been running my life for years."
"Oh, stop it," Katie said, shoving him playfully.
"She has no idea," Krammer winked at Krevan.
Krevan gestured toward the pantry."Let me get Ancelin's favorite tea-root soda."
"Sounds good.We like it too.We've got extra bottles in the car, along with Katie's homemade ice cream and the rest of our things.We need to get the ice cream in the freeze unit."
"I'll come with you," Krevan said, following Krammer out the door.Minutes later, they shuffled back inside, arms laden with colorfully wrapped packages and insulated containers.While Krevan arranged the gifts in a neat display across the living room, Krammer dangled two six-packs or tree-root soda from his fingers."Any preference where I should put these?"
"I'll take care of it."Krevan took the sodas from him and put them in the refrigerator.After he put the sodas away, he showed the Krammers around the first floor, then glanced at his timepiece."She's been up there for a while.Let me check on her."With a conspiratorial wink at Krammer, he headed for the stairs.
Halfway up, Krevan stopped in his tracks.Ancelin descended toward him, a vision in amber silk that caught the light with each step.The dress clung to her figure, its neckline dipping just low enough to tantalize, its hem skimming mid-thigh above elegant stockings and heels.Her hair cascaded in loose curls, framing features enhanced by subtle cosmetics that brought golden highlights to her brown eyes.
Krevan's foot caught on the stair.He steadied himself against the banister."Ancelin," he breathed, voice dropping to a hush."You're breathtaking.That dress..."He closed the distance between them, his lips brushing her ear."I'm half-tempted to carry you back upstairs and keep you all to myself."His hands found her waist, drawing her against him."Mine," he murmured, teeth grazing her neck.
Ancelin eased back, fingers lightly pressing his chest."Careful with the makeup," she said with a smile."Has Kellie arrived?"
"What?"Krevan blinked, disoriented.
"Kellie and Derrick—are they here yet?"
"No, not yet."He pulled her close again, his desire evident as he pressed against her."But I'm here, and you're exquisite."
"We have guests waiting," she reminded him gently, stepping away with a meaningful glance downward."Save that enthusiasm for later.I'm hosting a party, not being served as the main course."
"I'll return shortly," he promised, his eyes clearing.He disappeared down the hallway while Ancelin smoothed her dress and entered the living room.Katie and Carl sat on the couch, engrossed in what appeared to be a wrestling match on the viewscreen.
"Welcome, I'm so glad you could make it," Ancelin said, gesturing toward the kitchen."There's a light lunch prepared—sandwiches, salad, cookies—but we'll wait for Kellie and Derrick before we start.Save room for dinner later.Has Krevan offered you something to drink?"
"He has," Katie said, rising from her seat."And happy birthday!That dress is absolutely stunning on you."She approached Ancelin with wide eyes."Good thing you don't wear this to the store—Krevan might have to fight off an army of men.That shade brings out the gold in your eyes perfectly."
Ancelin twirled once, the silky fabric catching the light."My mother gave it to me for graduation.I thought today called for something special."She let the hem flutter around her knees.
"It's gorgeous.I feel practically invisible next to you," Katie said, glancing down at her simple outfit.
"Don't be silly," Ancelin leaned in, lowering her voice."I dressed up for Krevan's benefit, really."She winked, and Katie's knowing smile confirmed their shared understanding."He seemed rather...appreciative."
"Any man with a pulse would be!You're naturally beautiful, and that dress just highlights all your assets," Katie smiled.
Ancelin's smile faltered slightly."His first wife was exquisite.I saw her photograph yesterday and felt completely inadequate by comparison."
"Inadequate?Please."Katie waved her hand."Most women would kill for your natural beauty."She glanced over at Carl, who hadn't moved his eyes from the SatView screen."Men and their sports.We should probably get a SatView for our place too—might actually enjoy it myself."
Ancelin started to respond when the doorbell chimed.Her eyes lit up."That must be Kellie!"She called toward the hallway, "Krevan, please get the door."
