At the water’s edge of Mirathrend’s Mirror, Maris caught a passing glimpse of Eloquen. The enchanted surface continued to reveal Adeline’s intimate confession to her confidante, Kaylynn. A hush fell; the air seemed to hold its breath as the assembly absorbed Adeline’s heartfelt outpouring. Maris felt a pang of empathy for the young heiress, caught in the crossfire of familial duty and a yearning for autonomy. She longed to offer Adeline solace but knew too well that divine interference was strictly prohibited, with dire consequences for both realms.
The Founding Families of Golden Rivers, once pillars of the New World, might have faded from human memory, but celestial beings remained intricately woven into their legacy. As they peered into the magical depths, witnessing Kaylynn’s tender reassurance, smiles and silent contemplations ensued.
Maris cherished the bond between Adeline and Kaylynn, a friendship that mirrored her own divine kinship with the goddess Feronia. Feronia’s blessings had nurtured the Deverell lineage for generations. With the mirror’s surface calming, the vision of the girls departing Adeline’s bedroom faded. The goddesses encircling the mystical waters murmured their insights in hushed tones.
Surveying her surroundings, Maris noted Eloquen’s absence but soon sensed the presence of her friend Feronia amidst the crowd. Their eyes met across the clear water’s edge; Feronia waved Maris over, beckoning for her to join them. Bidding farewell to the surrounding goddesses, Maris made her way to her friend.
“No, no, no…” Feronia began as Maris arrived. “Garrett Deverell is the best match for her. Not only is he her best friend’s brother, but as the next heir, he will be her staunchest ally. He understands the pressures she faces.”
“Dear friend,” Maris countered “we all learned that Adeline has been harboring feelings of resentment towards the responsibilities placed upon her. She’s young, with a life to live; must she remain tethered to Golden Rivers?”
“Her roots lie in Golden Rivers. Why abandon her legacy instead of enriching it?” Aeonara the Everwatcher interjected.
“Why not choose a strong ally who will support and cherish her? The joining of two heirs will only make the city stronger,” Feronia argued.
“Would their families consent? Adeline must uphold the O’Cean name, as must Garrett with the Deverells. As heirs, their duty is to perpetuate their legacies…” Quoriel mused, her voice a whisper that weaved views amongst the crowd. Feronia frowned at the opposing opinions.
“Dear friends,” Vistara interrupted, “our role is to observe. Time alone will unveil their paths. Their futures are filled with boundless potential.”
“That’s the truth,” Quoriel agreed. “The future rests in their hands. We are but silent guardians. Our blessings will guide them, come what may.”
The goddesses nodded, their gazes laden with unspoken thoughts as they watched the now still Mirathrend’s Mirror.
“Maris, let’s walk,” Feronia invited, stepping away. Maris followed, concern etched on her face. “What troubles you?” Feronia asked, linking arms with Maris.
“Feronia,” Maris exhaled, a note of longing in her voice “is there truly no hope for an O’Cean male heir? Addy’s mother is still of childbearing age. Do you foresee no son in her future?”
As they meandered through the verdant gardens towards Feronia’s dwelling, she gently squeezed Maris’s hand. “The O’Ceans have indeed faced misfortune in recent times, with scant fruit to continue their lineage. My gaze may have lingered too long on the Deverells, yet I have not neglected any of the founding families. They all receive our blessings, and meddling further could unravel their fates,” Feronia cautioned.
“I understand, but my heart yearns to do more. Addy is extraordinary; I’ve observed her journey from the cradle. She is destined for greatness, a fact I’m certain you recognize. I yearn to witness her fulfill that destiny completely.”
“If the O’Ceans were graced with a son, Adeline could pursue her own path…” Feronia’s voice trailed into the whispering wind. Maris waited, her curiosity piqued, but instead, her friend’s expression changed. “Shall we check on Garrett’s progress together?”
“My dear, your desire to see Garrett achieve his dreams is clear. Your blessings upon him are abundant; I fear you might be swaying his fate excessively.”
“Quiet now, Maris,” Feronia chided, dismissing Maris’s concerns with a wave. “You too have been engrossed in Adeline’s life, almost as if she were a peer, yet she remains unaware of your existence.”
Stung, Maris withdrew her arm from Feronia’s grasp. “Regardless, without the Deverell daughter’s companionship, Addy’s path would have been solitary. Now, reveal to me your designs for Garrett.” With determination, she strode into the heart of Feronia’s garden. “Let’s see what awaits him.” Feronia trailed Maris, settling beside her in front of the grand Coprosma, naturally sculpted like a mirror.
Their thrones, living trees woven into elegant seats, cradled them comfortably As Feronia took her place, the songbirds hushed, and she commanded, “Reveal Garrett.” The Coprosma stirred, unaffected by the still air, its foliage parting to unveil a ruggedly handsome young man, his natural allure evident even beneath the grime of labor.
Pleased, Feronia’s lips curved into a smile as the enchantment of her garden offered refreshment and respite, setting the stage for the unfolding tale of her cherished mortal. “Hush, beloved Maris. Let us observe the unfolding events.”
Garrett Deverell removed his hat, mopping the sweat from his brow. He dusted off his jeans, casting a satisfied glance over the field. With the day’s work done, he strode into the barn where his parents were tidying up.
“Ma, Pops, I’m off to check on Kay’s greenhouse,” he announced. His parents looked up, nodding towards a corner piled with bags of soil.
“Take that to Kay, will you?” his mother requested. “And drop by O’Cean’s grocery, too. They might need help sorting the produce.”
“Was planning on it,” Garrett said, hoisting the large bag over his shoulder. “I’ll swing by after I clean up.”
“Appreciate it, son,” his father called out as Garrett ambled from the barn to their spacious family home.
In his room, Garrett quickly scrubbed away the day’s toil. Now dressed in crisp jeans, a forest green tee, and comfy suede sneakers, he slicked back his damp sandy hair under a camo cap. A spritz of his favored earthy cologne – a scent Adeline said she liked – completed his ensemble.
Exiting the house, he bumped into his grandfather. “Kay’s invited Adeline for dinner. Will you be joining us?”
“Wouldn’t miss Ma’s famous dill potatoes and your fresh-caught salmon,” Garrett grinned.
“We all cherish her cooking,” his grandfather chuckled. “I’ll set an extra place. It’s still early, maybe I’ll pick some fruit for dessert…It’s been a while since I’ve seen Addy.”
Garrett nodded, waving to his muttering grandfather as he departed. “I’ll be back in a few hours with the girls.”
Driving through the estate, the familiar blend of soil, clover, and apple blossoms filled his truck, a comforting presence. Local news hummed from the radio as he approached the city center and Kaylynn’s greenhouse.
Parking, he spotted Eric Landing leaving. “What’s he doing here?” Garrett wondered, watching the SUV vanish. He hastened to the greenhouse, greeting the distracted Kaylynn with a wave.
Finally noticing her brother, Kaylynn beamed at him, opening the door to her garden. “Got the soil, Gar?” she asked, peeking past his large frame towards his truck.
“Yep, just need an apron to keep clean,” he replied, eyeing a large envelope in her apron pocket. “What’s Eric’s visit about?”
She dodged the question with an amused smile. “You know Addy’s sleeping over tonight, right?”
Garrett donned an apron. “And Eric?”
“It’s been a while since A has come to our place. Aren’t you excited?” Kaylynn nudged her brother playfully. “Don’t worry, he’s not dining with us,” she quipped, meeting his serious gaze.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Kay…” Garrett warned, hovering over his little sister. He had grown accustomed to her teasing, but his protective nature overshadowed any other emotion he felt in the moment.
“You know Eric is taller than you,” she continued. “But you’re bigger. He’s leaner than you.” Kaylynn sighed at her brother’s concerned brow. “Alright, alright. Eric came by to propose a business venture with me. I wanted some time to review it before bringing it up to the family.”
Garrett’s brow remained furrowed. The Landins’ influence was vast, rivaling even the oldest families. They had business ventures and ties around the world. What did Eric want with floriculture? He didn’t trust the Landins and he didn’t want Eric partnering up with Kaylynn. The whole thing was suspicious.
“Oh, don’t worry so much!” Kaylynn pushed him towards the door. “Let’s not discuss this anymore,” Kaylynn stated firmly. “I’ll decide when it’s time. Now get me my soil. I have a lot of work to finish before dinner!”
“Fine, tomorrow then,” Garrett conceded, setting down the soil and leaving Kay to her tasks.
“I’ll fetch you and Addy later,” he called back.
“Get A first,” Kaylynn replied, preoccupied. “I’ll be ready.”
Garrett pulled away, his thoughts lingering on the greenhouse’s potential as a community sanctuary. It was the intent of the O’Cean family when it was gifted to his sister over a year ago. Progress had been slow, and Garrett pondered if Eric was planning some way of expediting it. Arriving at the mall, he found Mr. O’Cean scrutinizing crates in the loading bay.
Parking his truck nearby, he called out, “Mr. O’Cean! Everything alright?”
“Garrett, perfect timing,” Mr. O’Cean beckoned him over. “Could use your eye on these,” he said, gesturing to the crates.
Garrett recognized the family emblem on the produce. “Ma thought you might need a hand.”
“As always, her intuition’s spot-on. Help me show the team how it’s done?” Mr. O’Cean led Garrett through the bay to the back storeroom where the produce managers huddled. Garrett, with practiced ease, detailed the contents, storage, and uses of each crate, earning nods of approval from Mr. O’Cean. “Much obliged, Garrett. Let’s get these displayed tonight. I’ll discuss sampling strategies with my wife later.”
The managers dispersed to organize the new stock, and Mr. O’Cean motioned Garrett to follow him to the office. The man’s demeanor was all business, commanding respect like a ship’s captain. Even after all these years, Mr. O’Cean still treated Garrett like a business partner instead of the boy he watched grow up. On their way to the office, Mr. O’Cean offered Garrett a new energy drink from a refrigerated drink machine in the hall.
“Give this a try – supposed to keep you sharp all day,” Mr. O’Cean insisted.
Garrett took a grateful sip. “Not bad. Tastes surprisingly natural.”
“Good to know. I’ll consider it for the store then,” Mr. O’Cean mused as they entered the office.
Inside, Aria O’Cean, a beacon of warmth, greeted them. The staff were wrapping up for the day, and upon Mr. O’Cean’s entrance, they promptly left the room.
Alone with them both, Mr. O’Cean summarized what Garrett was to do in the office. “Aria, we can talk strategy later.” He gently kissed his wife on her forehead. “I’ll see you back here when I’m done with the stock.” Aria nodded, turning to Garrett.
“Garrett, darling, let’s brainstorm some sampling ideas.”
Garrett settled beside her, discussing the new products while Mrs. O’Cean took notes. Their conversation meandered, punctuated by Aria’s culinary inspirations, until Adeline’s arrival cut through the chatter.
“Mom, I’m done for the evening. Need me for anything else?” Adeline’s voice floated in; her surprise evident upon seeing Garrett. “What’s happening here?”
“Adeline, love, the Deverells have outdone themselves with their latest harvest,” Aria beamed, motioning her daughter over. “What do you think of these?”
Adeline shot Garrett a look that said ‘Let’s escape.’ “Looks wonderful, but we should get going, right?”
Garrett checked the time. “Indeed, dinner awaits. We’ll pick Kay up en route.” He rose, addressing Aria, “Ma’am, it’s been enlightening. Don’t hesitate to reach out for further assistance.”
“Thank you, dear,” Aria called after them, her voice trailing. “And Adeline, mind your manners!”
As they left, Garrett caught the flicker of Adeline’s eye roll – a rare gesture and so out of character for the usually composed girl he knew. “You seem… different,” he noted, his voice a soft undercurrent in the quiet of the empty hall. “Something bothering you?”
Adeline’s fingers slipped from his arm as she paused, her gaze focused on the red Exit sign above the double doors. “It’s Eric,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “He asked me to prom today – right there in front of the school courtyard.”
“Oh.” Garrett’s reaction was visceral, his jaw tightening. He knew what this invitation represented, and the news landed like a punch to the gut. “And what did you say?” he asked, struggling to keep his voice even despite the silent clenching in his chest.
“I… I haven’t given him an answer yet,” she confessed, her voice trailing off as they stepped into the cool evening air. The heavy doors echoed behind them as they walked through the almost empty parking lot. The familiar banter that once filled their conversations was replaced by a heavy silence, each step heavy with the weight of unspoken words.
The air between them felt charged, the gravity of her indecision hanging between them, creating an invisible barrier. Garrett fought the urge to voice his screaming heart. He wanted to tell her not to accept Eric, to stay away from him, but jealousy clouded his thoughts, leaving him mute.
“Gar, I…” Adeline’s voice broke, her eyes searching his, desperate for guidance. “I don’t know what to do.”
He inhaled deeply, her scent mingling with the night’s tension. “Addy, just… make sure your choice is for you, not what everyone else may expect from you,” he said, his voice firm yet gentle.
She nodded, her eyes reflecting the conflict within. “I know. It’s just –“
“Complicated,” Garrett finished for her, the word tasting bitter on his tongue.
As they reached his truck, the silence followed them inside, the engine’s growl, a stark reminder of the growing distance between them.
Kaylynn was waiting, her figure outlined against the glow of the greenhouse. “About time!” she exclaimed, climbing into the backseat, her intuition instantly picking up on the tension. “You told him about Eric, didn’t you?”
“Kay…” Adeline’s voice wavered, her emotions teetering on the edge. Garrett flicked on the radio, a soft melody filling the space as they pulled away.
“Remember, tonight’s about forgetting all that,” Kaylynn reminded, playfully smacking her brother’s shoulder. “Why’d you have to dampen the mood?”
Garrett’s hand twitched, shrugging off his sister’s touch. A silent battle raged within him; he resisted the urge to comfort Adeline with a touch. “I was concerned,” he admitted, his voice a soft echo in the truck’s cabin. “You seemed… off today.” His words were a warm blanket, but his grip on the steering wheel betrayed his restraint. “We’re here for you, always.” He emphasized the last word before giving in to the silence.
The music was a welcome distraction as they drove, the silence stretching between them until the Deverell estate loomed into view. They tumbled out of the truck, grateful to leave the tension behind as the estate’s lively chaos surrounded them. The youngest Deverell, twelve-year-old Alex, rushed at them when they entered the home, his chatter washing over them like a tide, the family pets adding to the welcoming clamor of the Deverell household.
“Adeline, darling, you’ve been missed!” Catherine Deverell’s voice was a melody of warmth as she ushered Adeline into the dining room.
“Kids, hands clean and to the table!” Grandpa Deverell’s voice boomed with good-natured impatience.
At the sink, Adeline joined the Deverell siblings, her hands moving mechanically under the running water. Garrett, ever the gentleman, held out the chairs for the ladies before taking his place beside Adeline.
The table buzzed with life, little Alex’s school tales weaving through the air. Adeline’s smile, now genuine, reflected the joy she found in the lively gathering – quite opposite from her quiet home where family dinners had become a rarity.
“Have a bit more, dear,” Catherine coaxed, attempting to heap more food onto Adeline’s plate.
“Mom, we’ve got plans tonight. No overeating,” Kaylynn interjected, her tone playful yet firm.
Catherine relented with a smile, and the spoon clattered softly into the bowl. “This is wonderful, Mrs. Deverell. I’m truly spoiled here,” said Adeline, her gratitude clear.
“Your family, my dear,” Catherine replied, squeezing her husband’s hand. “We’ve missed you.”
Those words tasted bitter to Garrett. Momentarily lost in his thoughts, he choked slightly, prompting a flurry of concern from his mother. “I’m fine, Ma,” he assured her, his eyes meeting Kaylynn’s across the table. “Going out tonight?”
Kaylynn’s warning look was clear, but Garrett’s concern couldn’t be masked. “How about I drive you?” he offered, his voice carefully neutral.
Mr. Deverell’s approval was immediate. “Excellent idea. Garrett can drop you off, then we’ll all rest easy.”
Kaylynn’s protest was cut short by Adeline’s gentle intervention, her eyes conveying silent thanks.
Dinner resumed its cheerful rhythm, the siblings’ banter combined with Grandpa Deverell’s storytelling creating a comforting backdrop for Adeline’s meal. Garrett was unusually quiet, but Adeline was grateful for the distraction.
As dessert concluded, Alex scampered off to play with the family dogs while Adeline assisted with clearing the table.
“Thank you, dear,” Catherine smiled appreciatively. “I got it from here. You can join Kay in her room. I’m sure you want to get ready for tonight’s party.” She urged Adeline to leave the kitchen with a gentle nudge.
With dinner over, the older Deverells and Garrett retreated to the salon. The clink of ice against glass mingled with the distant sounds of play. Garrett’s gaze was drawn to the night outside, his mind heavy with the thought of Adeline encountering Eric at the party. As heir to the Deverell legacy, his responsibilities anchored him to mornings and duties, not the nocturnal revelries of his peers. For the first time, he found himself resenting his position.
When Adeline and Kaylynn finally reappeared, ready for the evening, Garrett’s resolve wavered. Adeline was effortlessly stunning, her hair cascading in soft ringlets, her shoulders bare beneath the baby blue fabric of her top. The sight stirred something in Garrett, a protective instinct that he couldn’t quite shake. Their gazes met, and as he stood up, the tightening in his chest rendered him mute.
Kaylynn led them out to Garrett’s car, claiming shotgun. The car ride was quick as the bonfire party was located close to the Deverell estate. As the girls left the car, Garrett resisted the urge to follow them into the night. He could smell the smoke from the bonfire and hear the laughter and music in the night air. It was approaching ten o’clock, and for the first time, Garrett returned home burning with questions and desires he’d never dared to express.
It was a restless night for Garrett. He tossed and turned, wondering if Adeline met with Eric. He listened long into the night for signs of the girls returning but eventually, sleep took him.