The river house sat beneath the warm glow of early evening, its wide patio stretching toward the water that moved lazily beyond the tree line. A stone firepit occupied one corner of the yard. String lights hung beneath the patio roof. The scent of charcoal and seasoning drifted from the grill while the river reflected streaks of gold from the setting sun.
Galathea stepped through the sliding doors carrying a tray of glasses.
Behind her, Cael emerged with a platter.
The sound of a car door closing announced their guests.
A moment later, Alistair and Seraphina appeared around the side path.
Seraphina stopped walking.
Alistair stopped beside her.
Neither spoke for several seconds.
Then Seraphina slowly looked at Galathea.
"So this is what being engaged to a billionaire lover boy looks like."
Galathea immediately groaned.
Cael looked pleased.
"That's a terrible phrase." Galathea grumbled.
"And yet remarkably accurate," Seraphina said.
