Chapter 9 #4
"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."
"Got it," came his reply. Moments later, his deep voice carried from the entryway. "Derrick, Kellie—welcome. Come in, come in."
"Oh, Mr. Vallex," Kellie's voice trembled slightly as she stepped inside. "I've never... I mean, your home is just... wow. Thank you for inviting us."
Krevan's tone softened. "If you're going to be in Ancelin's circle, it's just Krevan to you."
"Vallex. We appreciate the invitation." Derrick nodded, echoing his wife's sentiment.
"Ancelin's been counting the minutes until you arrived.
" Kellie stepped into the kitchen, her eyes widening at the sight of pastel streamers, tiny bootie decorations, and a rose-frosted cake centered on the table.
Her mouth fell open. "Ancelin... are you expecting too? "
"Surprise, Kellie!" Katie's voice rang out from the doorway. "Today we're celebrating two things—Ancelin's birthday and your little one on the way."
Kellie pressed her hands to her cheeks. "For me? Really?"
"Who else around here needs baby gifts?" Ancelin smiled, placing small packages wrapped in silver paper into both women's hands.
Katie turned the box over in her palm. "What have you done now?"
"Just open it," Ancelin urged. Paper tore, boxes opened, and twin gasps filled the room as delicate necklaces with beautiful pendants caught the light.
"Ancelin!" Katie's fingers traced the pendant on her necklace. "This is too much. It's beautiful." She wrapped her arms around the hostess.
Kellie blinked rapidly at her gift, her voice barely audible. "Mine? Truly?"
"Of course it's for you. I crafted them myself from stones I found at the Coti bazaar and Silos marketplace. It's Verrian artistry,” Ancelin said proudly.
"It's exquisite," Katie touched the pendant. "I'm speechless."
Ancelin gestured toward the dining area. "Come, let's have lunch now. Dinner will be later.”
Kellie's eyes widened as she took in Ancelin's appearance.
"You're absolutely radiant in that dress.
And this home—it's like something from a dream.
" Her voice caught. "I've never been included in something so special before.
" Moisture gathered at the corners of her eyes and spilled over her rounded cheeks.
"Forgive me, my emotions are all over the place lately. "
"Let's grab our plates and head to the living room," Ancelin suggested.
"There's more space to stretch out, and I've got a few surprises waiting.
Krevan, could you pour Kellie some of that tea-root soda?
"Krevan frowned. "I'd rather not serve that questionable concoction to an expectant mother.
Tea, coffee, or water would be more appropriate—unless you insist, Kellie.
Personally, I find it rather unpleasant. "
"Just water, please," Kellie said softly.
"And for you?" Krevan turned to Derrick.
"Coffee would be perfect." Derrick's gaze lingered on Ancelin. "Impressive home, impressive wife.”
"Eyes elsewhere," Krevan muttered, thrusting a steaming mug into Derrick's hands.
In the living room, Ancelin arranged plates of food for everyone before guiding Kellie through her collection of presents from the Krammers and the hosts. With each unwrapped gift, Kellie's eyes glistened anew, her gratitude evident in every trembling smile.
"These finger sandwiches are adorable—and delicious. I love the colors," Katie said, drawing attention away from Kellie's tears. Across the room, Ancelin watched Krevan and Derrick demolish a small mountain of them.
"Everything's wonderful," Kellie managed between sniffles.
Katie pressed a stack of wrapped gifts into her hands.
The Krammers' contribution—three tiny outfits with matching caps—drew gasps of delight.
When the wrapping paper settled and the last crumbs disappeared, Ancelin rose with a secretive smile.
"There's one more surprise," she said, leading them upstairs to the guest bedroom.
The crib stood in the center of the room, sunlight catching on its polished rails. A matching changing table and rocking chair waited nearby. Kellie's legs gave way, and she sank onto the edge of the bed.
"I never imagined..." Her voice broke. "Ancelin—Krevan—I don't know how to thank you." Fresh tears caught the light like tiny prisms.
"Friends don't keep score," Ancelin said, squeezing Kellie's hand.
"I just want you and your little one to have what you need.
My only request is some baby-holding privileges when the time comes.
" She wrapped her arms around Kellie in a gentle embrace.
"Look at you!" Her palm hovered over the rounded belly before making contact.
"I can't help but feel a little envious. "
Krevan's pupils dilated as he sidled next to Ancelin.
"We'll revisit that once everyone leaves," he whispered, his fingers finding the curve of her hip.
Ancelin ignored the comment and ushered the group downstairs.
In the living room, conversation flowed around the SatView program until the minutes melted away.
"Something smells heavenly," Katie remarked.
"Dinner's just about done." Ancelin rose from her seat. "Katie, mind helping in the kitchen? Everything's ready to come out." She smoothed her hands over her silky dress. "I've only got one apron. Will you be alright without one, or should I change and let you wear the apron?"
"I'd be happy to help and keep your beautiful dress on—Krevan hasn't stopped staring at you since you put it on. I don’t need an apron.
He wasn't joking about starting your own private celebration after we leave.
" Katie's eyes twinkled with mischief. "By the way, Carl and I brought something for your birthday.
" Kellie followed them into the kitchen.
Across the counter, Kellie's face crumpled, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks.
"Kellie, what is it?" Ancelin moved to her side.
"I—I only made you this." Kellie offered a folded paper card; her gaze fixed on the floor. "We couldn't afford a real gift."
Ancelin wrapped her in a gentle embrace. "This is perfect. Something you created yourself means everything to me. How old are you now, Kellie?"
"Nineteen," she replied, passing over the handmade card with its childlike drawings and misspelled words.
Ancelin beamed, attempting another hug around Kellie's protruding stomach. "Your little one makes hugging challenging!"
"Derrick says the same thing," Kellie said with a small laugh.
"You remind me of my sister Alyssa," Ancelin said softly.
"She was even younger than you—vibrant, beautiful.
Today I can remember her without tears, which makes this truly a good day.
" She kept one arm around Kellie as the men entered, taking seats at the table and island.
While Kellie settled beside Derrick, Ancelin and Katie served dinner.
The meal was magnificent—perfectly seasoned with spices from the market.
Krevan claimed nearly the entire roast for himself, barely touching vegetables.
He consumed so much tartis that no one dared ask for seconds.
Krevan scraped his fork across the empty platter where the twenty-pound tartis roast had been. "That was exceptional, Ancelin."
"I noticed," Ancelin said, her eyes dancing with amusement. “I’ll have to make more next time I have people over.”
Katie leaned forward. "We should do this again soon. Carl and I will bring the ingredients if you'd teach me your techniques."
"I'd be delighted," Ancelin said. "There's precious little entertainment on Verrian anyway. Kellie should join us too, if she's interested."
Ancelin placed the chocolate pudding before Krevan, who captured her wrist with gentle fingers as she pivoted away.
"You remembered my favorite," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear.
A delicious shiver traced her spine. "I made it especially for you," she replied, brushing her lips against his temple before retrieving the cake waiting on the counter.
"I should get your recipe," Kellie chimed in with a knowing smile. "Derrick loves chocolate pudding too."
“I can give you the recipe. It’s easy to make.” Ancelin gestured to the other desserts. "Chocolate or white cake? Katie and Carl brought ice cream. We could eat now or watch some SatView first."
"What's that you've got?" Carl asked, eyeing Krevan's bowl.
Krevan hunched protectively over his pudding. "Ancelin's special chocolate pudding. I suppose I could share... if there's more."