8
SYSSI
The family was growing, and the dining room was a little crowded with the addition of several highchairs, but no one minded rubbing elbows while cutting Okidu's delicious roast or spearing fingerling potatoes with their forks.
Okidu hovered around them, refilling wine glasses and picking up empty platters while murmuring apologies for having to reach over. He'd outdone himself tonight, which was an achievement since he cooked elaborate dinners for the family every Friday.
Perhaps he'd made a special effort because everyone was in attendance for a change. Usually, some of the family members had other plans. Alena and Orion often dined with Toven and Mia and their extended families, while Jacki and Kalugal were either traveling or attending various fundraisers in the city.
"More wine, mistress?" Okidu asked Syssi.
"Just water for now, thank you." She placed her hand over her glass.
That earned her a curious look from Amanda. "Do you have news you would like to share with the rest of us?"
Syssi's cheeks heated at the implication. "I wish, but no. I'm just not a big fan of wine."
Amanda pouted. "That's disappointing. And how can you not like wine?"
It was disappointing but expected. Merlin's fertility potions had helped them conceive Allegra, and Syssi was grateful. To hope that they would work a miracle again so soon was overly optimistic.
"I just don't like the taste. If I'm drinking alcohol, I prefer a sweet and tangy cocktail."
"Like a margarita." Amanda leaned back in her chair with her wine glass in hand. "Which reminds me that we haven't had a margarita party in forever. We should have one." She turned to Alena. "Are you game?"
Alena shrugged. "Sure. As long as it doesn't involve any of your other crazy schemes."
"What crazy schemes?"
Syssi chuckled. "The witchy dancing in the woods, for one."
A smile spread over Amanda's beautiful face. "Ah, those were the days. How I miss them. But I was thinking of something less adventurous, like a karaoke party."
"I would love that," Alena said. "Just tell me when and where, and I'll be there."
Alena was a gifted singer with a powerful voice, so naturally the idea excited her, but Syssi still remembered the last time she andAmanda sang while drinking margaritas. Her sister-in-law had many talents, but singing wasn't one of them. She sang loudly and off-key.
Amanda turned to Jacki. "How about you, darling? Do you like to sing while drunk?"
Jacki smiled. "As much as the next girl, but if you want me to come to your party, it will have to wait until I'm back from Egypt."
"Right." Amanda's face fell.
At the far end of the table, Annani sat with Allegra on her lap, engaged in an animated conversation with her granddaughter.
"Nana pretty," Allegra declared, patting Annani's cheek. "Like Princess Sparkle."
Annani's melodic laugh never failed to raise goosebumps on Syssi's arms.
"Where is your doll, sweetheart?" Annani asked.
"In her bed." Allegra shifted on her grandmother's lap. "Sleeping."
"I see." Annani kissed the top of her head. "Does she have a pretty bed?"
"Very pretty." Allegra launched into a detailed description of the miniature bed Syssi had ordered for her from an artisan on Etsy.
Evie gurgled something incoherent between spoonfuls of mashed potatoes. She was seated on Annani's other side, mostly content to listen to her older cousin talking.