Chapter 28 - Kit
Sitting on the dock while night rolls in, I rock little baby Lauren in my arms and count my blessings. For the first time in my life, there are too many, and I have to give up.
The sound of carnival music drifts to me, and I turn to look at the festival sprawled out across the gardens of the estate.
The old manor practically gleams in the late afternoon light. All the windows are sparkling clean. The stone statues are mold and dust-free, back to their shimmering, pale gray luster.
One of Lexa’s first orders as luna was to open up the manor and estate to the homeless from the West End. Every room was filled within a week, and suddenly, Susan and Joe had more help than they knew what to do with.
The entire place was cleaned from top to bottom, then separated into sections for emergency housing, clinics, and educational groups. Our elders had always feared charity, thinking that the poor would only take advantage of it, but they saw for themselves that when people had their basic needs met, they were gracious and generous in return.
And it’s the rich who hoard and scheme, looking for more, even though they already have too much.
“That being said, our upper class has learned their lesson, haven’t they, Lauren?”
I look down into my lap at the pale gray eyes of my baby girl. She giggles and raises her tiny hands at me, squirming as she tries to reach my face.
“There you are,” Cass says, hurrying up the dock. “Lexa’s looking for you. It’s almost time for the dance.”
“Of all the traditions she decides to uphold,” I mutter, standing up, “this is the one she chooses!”
Cass laughs, holding out her arms for Lauren. “You said you wanted her to get involved.”
“I did,” I agree. “I just didn’t expect to be publicly humiliated on a regular basis.”
Cass laughs even harder as she snuggles Lauren against her chest. “If you practiced your moves, then you’ve got nothing to worry about.”
“I practiced until my feet bled.”
“Then you’ll be fine.”
“Except for not being able to dance because of the blisters.”
Cass sighs a little. “That may be an oversight.”
We stand at the edge of the dock for a few more minutes until Cass finally shoves me.
“You’re not getting out of this, Kit,” she says. “Get your butt over there.”
“Alright, alright,” I mutter, giving my daughter a kiss on the head before hurrying over to the back courtyard.
The place has been transformed into a magical grove, with fairy lights, decorative wreaths, and delicate flower arrangements. Soft music plays while Joe happily pours champagne at a small bar set up at the cottage.
Worst of all, the center of the courtyard is set up with a huge raised dance floor made out of smooth mahogany.
I’m wondering if I can slip back into the crowd when Lexa spots me and hurries around the dance floor to grab my hand.
“Oh, no, you don’t,” she warns. “I know what you were thinking.”
I sigh. “You always know what I’m thinking.”
“It’s not hard. You’re an open book.”
“You look beautiful tonight.”
“Don’t change the subject!”
I can tell by her slight blush that she enjoys the compliment, though. Her jet-black hair has grown out a little over the past year and is now streaked with vibrant ocean blue. It almost perfectly matches the color of her silk dress, a stunning number with a low, square neckline, tight waist, and full, flowing skirt.
