Chapter 9 #3
"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.
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?"