“Okay, so it’s you they’re visiting,” Felicity said.
“Kind of. They are here because Angelle is Boon’s mate. He invited them to come to Whispers and see what it’s all about. Angelle’s parents accompanied her and here we are. But in all honesty, we’re here because Carnage found out that Daniel is an experienced golf player and after a few pointers has decided that he’s going to beat Enthrall.”
Felicity laughed delightedly. “What would they ever do without their rivalry?”
“They’re like little boys,” Rowan said.
“Wait! Don’t start without me!” Destroy shouted as he ran down off the steps. He cast a quick glance toward Rowan. “I’m going to play golf!”
“I see that,” she said. “Have fun.”
Rowan started across the area between hers and Destroy’s, and Enthrall’s houses. “They’re going to be a while. Let’s go have a good old-fashioned gossip session. I’ll fill your bellies, and fill you in on everyone in Whispers, and you can fill us in on you and Boon!” Rowan said excitedly.
“There’s not really much to tell,” Angelle said, as Avaleigh, Carolena and Felicity fell into step with Rowan. Avaleigh looped her arm through Angelle’s as she walked past and pulled her along with them.
“She’s very private,” Avaleigh said.
“Just like Boon,” Carolena added. “She’s not comfortable being the subject of discussion. They both prefer quiet time alone to large groups.”
“Well, that’s okay. We’ll tell you all about us instead. Just know that we all love Boon and are so glad you’re finally here,” Felicity said.
Angelle followed along as her mother held onto her arm, guiding her toward Rowan’s house, but suddenly she felt a hand around her waist. She glanced over her shoulder and found Boon there. He smiled at her. “Do you mind if I go play golf? I know you just got here.”
“Not at all. Go enjoy yourself.”
“You sure?” Boon pressed.
Angelle, looking into Boon’s gaze, had since forgotten that they weren’t alone and lifted her head with her lips puckered for a kiss.
Boon pressed his lips to hers, pulled back to smile at her, then kissed her again. “I won’t be long.”
“Have fun,” Angelle said. She stood and watched as he jogged back toward the males, where Daniel stood blowing a kiss to Avaleigh.
Avaleigh giggled like a school girl and pretended to catch it and tuck it in her pocket.
“That boy is fully besotted,” Rowan said, as she resumed leading everyone into her home.
Everyone made themselves comfortable as Rowan started putting glasses and plates on the table as soon as they got inside, and began taking things out of her pantry and her icebox and laying them out on the table for the ladies to share.
“This cheese is delicious,” Avaleigh said, using a small knife to cut off a little wedge.
“Isn’t it wonderful? Aubreigne makes it. She sells it along with some vegetables she grows in her garden out behind her house. She used to keep a smaller garden, but now its really grown in size. Amilanu helps her and it’s become their regular source of income, as well as food source — vegetable wiseanyway, for most of Whispers. A lot of people here have found ways to make a little extra for when they need something that we can’t produce here. For whatever we do have here, we often barter,” Rowan said.
“That’s true. Simon raises hogs and makes the most delicious ham I’ve ever tasted. The most reasonable comparison would be Prosciutto, in my opinion,” Felicity said.
“And he makes that here?” Avaleigh asked.
“He does. He raises the hogs, then spends months curing, smoking, and drying the meat. He won’t tell anybody what his spice blends are,” Felicity said.
“Or even his exact process for that matter,” Carolena added.
“I can’t wait to try it,” Avaleigh said.
“Then you’re in luck! Because guess what I’ve got here,” Rowan said, as she placed a platter with a little less than a whole ham sitting in the middle of it with paper thin slices arranged decoratively around it.
“Oh, that looks delicious!” Avaleigh said, reaching for a slice to taste.
“You have got to try this,” Avaleigh said to Angelle as she handed her a slice.
