"Definitely. They're going to have incredible food there," I nod, throwing the blanket off to drink my coffee while I'm getting ready, because I'm persuaded she's about to haul me out of bed any second since she looks so eager to get going.
Standing up, I stretch and let out a long, satisfying yawn.
When I look down, Nikita is standing in front of me, looking up at me with wide, impatient eyes.
I wrap my hand around her jaw and tilt her face up. She's surprised when I gently kiss her lips, wink, and step away.
"I'll be ready in thirty minutes," I say, enjoying her stunned silence.
Bright green leafy plants hang from the archway leading into the garden. The place is already busy. People are walking around carrying baskets and sling bags.
A live band plays music near the entrance, right next to a little coffee stand. Nikita pulls me toward the stand. "I want a decaf iced coffee," she declares.
"Decaf? Since when?"
She giggles. "Because I'm already excited enough. I don't need to add caffeine to the mix now, too."
"Fair enough," I grin, placing the order for two of the same.
Her happiness is infectious as we move from stall to stall, and she takes her time looking at everything. Every little thing brings her more joy. She gets annoyed when I buy everything that lights her smile, but I tell her it's just something she's going to have to deal with because I'm going to keep doing it.
We're standing at a stall that looks like it was designed for some forest fairy festival, and she's trying to decide between a long gold dress and a short pale green dress.
"Both," I say, smirking. Honestly, they both look fucking gorgeous on her, and I'd love to spend the day admiring her in either of them.
"I don't need both," she laughs, shaking her head.
"No, butIneed you to have both," I explain, nodding at the store assistant to ring it up for me.
"Bardil?" The voice comes from behind me and is tainted with surprise and disbelief.
I spin around and find myself face-to-face with Talia. I haven't seen my sister in such a long time, I'm utterly speechless.
I want to grab Nikita and push her behind me. I want to take her and run. I stare at Talia, waiting for her to look angry or resentful.
But she doesn't.
She doesn't even hesitate, and in the blink of an eye, she's thrown herself onto me to hug me.
"Oh my word, I can't believe it's you!" she declares.
She hugs me so tight I start laughing. "Are you trying to suffocate me?" I smirk.
"I missed you, dumbass!" She steps back, grinning at me.
"I missed you too," I smile, my heart filling with happiness.
There's no negativity at all in her eyes. Only happiness.
Nikita steps forward and waves tentatively. "Hi," she grins.
"Kit!" Talia is excited all over again, bowling into her with a hug just as forceful as mine.
"What are you guys doing here? Oh my goodness, that dress is gorgeous!" Talia says.
"Gold or green?" Kita asks, holding them both up.
"Don't choose," I scoff. "She's getting both."
