“I suppose so, Samuel,” I repeat the words back to him, and he rolls his eyes.
“I apologize, Eden. You deserved to know. I should have been the one to tell you. Can you forgive me?”
His sad expression makes my heart ache.
“Of course. You are my big brother.” I give him a smile and lean in to kiss him on the cheek. His breath shutters as my lips land on his warm skin. “Are you ready for another dinner with the community?” I tease.
“No, but there is no other choice now, is there?”
I nod to him, and he pulls me closer to him, wrapping his arms around my shoulders, letting my head relax on his chest. He kisses the top of my head, easing my nerves as he whispers into my hair, “I love you, Eden.”
“I love you, too, Samuel.”
* * *
At dinner, there is minimal chatter around the dining hall. The clinking of silverware on the ceramic white plates made the room feel empty, even though there is not an empty seat at this long dining table.
Once dessert is over, Samuel clears his throat next to me in his seat. With that one action, the table stills, and all eyes land on him.
He pushes his seat out from the table and stands. “We have had an eventful day, everyone. One that has brought the Divine great pride.” When he lifts his wine glass, everyone follows suit. “Praise the Divine.”
“Praise the Divine,” everyone says.
“To Mr. and Mrs. Vandrall, we welcome you and your marriage. To Mr. Calloway, we will discuss the plans for your new path further. And lastly, to Mr. Harris—”
My heart races as I have my hopes skyrocket more than I know I should allow it. I wait for my name to come into the conversation.
“—we have wives lined up for your choosing. I look forward to finding out your selection and being able to allow the community to witness a joining of souls ceremony. It has been a while since we have had the privilege.”
My heart falls at the lack of information that Samuel gives the room. “Praise the Divine.”
“Praise the Divine.” We all lift our glass one more time, and Samuel sits again.
Staff come out of the kitchen with covered plates and serve each person. Across the way sits Kameron alongside the Vandralls and Mr. Calloway.
Mr. Calloway stares blankly at the tabletop in front of him, lost in thought. I can’t help but wonder how he let his wife go so easily. At the drop of a hat, he allowed Samuel and his men to drag her away from him. He didn’t even get to tell her goodbye. A wave of sorrow takes me over for Mrs. Calloway. I wonder where she is right now.
Just as my mind wanders, Kameron stands and make his way down the table.
“Excuse me, Samuel. I have to use the restroom,” I say without thinking.
I stand to follow out of the dining hall, trying to keep my pace even, but when he rounds the corner that leads down the hallway, my heart rate picks up. My feet subconsciously race me to where he just disappeared. I’m about to take the same turn, but it’s completely empty.
Where did he go?
I walk at a leisurely pace down the dim, high-ceiling hallway, where the restrooms are. Taking my time to see if, for some reason, he comes out of wherever he is before I make it to the ladies’ room. I take a few more steps and am yanked into a pair of arms in a nook beside a planter. My back hits a warm, firm body, and the arms wrap around my waist tighter.
“Are you following me, gorgeous?” Kameron whispers into my ear.
The low tone of his voice causes goose bumps to erupt across my skin.
“Yes.”
A chuckle hits my ears as his chest bounces me with the sound.
“Trouble, Eden. You are trouble,” he teases in my ear before letting his soft lips peek right under it.
He turns to me to face him. I take a much-needed step back so I don’t touch him. I can’t, especially not here.
