Bridget returned the hug, holding her sister-in-law tightly, and she couldn’t help but let out a joyful laugh.
“Oh, Olivia, once again, it’s so good to see you!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection. “Did you manage to get a good night’s rest? I hope you’re feeling well refreshed.”
Olivia nodded, her eyes twinkling happily. “Yes, indeed! I had the most luxurious slumber, thanks to the divine comfort of our feather-filled mattresses. I felt like a pampered princess, I must say.” She gestured to the table in awe. “And this feast looks absolutely fabulous. Not to mention the arrangements and decor!”
Bridget chuckled, her cheeks dimpling with amusement. “Ah, the Fadden family certainly knows how to throw even thesimplest parties like royalty. However, I fear I didn’t inherit the knack for party planning. That talent lies solely with my dear mother.”
Olivia playfully rolled her eyes, a playful smirk gracing her lips. “Oh, Bridget, don’t be so modest. Your grace and charm are far more captivating than any lavish decorations. Besides, we all know the true highlight of these gatherings is the company we keep.”
Bridget’s eyes sparkled with warmth as she regarded her. “You seem to always know how to bring a smile to my face, dear sister.”
The two women beamed at the affectionate address, and Olivia clasped Bridget’s hands in appreciation. “Ever the pleasure, dearest sister.”
Just then, Elliot approached with a wide smile on his face. He seemed to look happier than ever.
“Bridget, dear sister,” he greeted with a charming smile. “It’s wonderful to see you, once again, especially now that I am wide-eyed enough to mean it. How have you been faring?”
“Oh, Brother, I’ve just been keeping myself quite occupied with the endless tasks of running this estate.” Bridget returned his smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “But enough about me, you seemed too tired for me to ask earlier. How was your honeymoon? The both of you?”
Olivia’s face lit up with joy as she clasped her husband’s hands, excitement evident in her voice. “Bridget, it was an absolute dream! The lovely sand beaches, the moonlit strolls, and the enchanting serenades of the local musicians.”
She let out a fulfilled sigh. “It was everything I had ever dreamed of and more. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect start to our married life.”
Bridget watched the couple, her heart swelling with happiness for their obvious love and affection. “Dear sister, it warms my heart to see the sheer bliss on your faces. May your love continue to blossom and fill your lives with endless joy.”
“At last, I have arrived. You may save your applause. It would be appreciated indeed, but there is hardly any need.”
Hector sauntered into the room, his steps slow and languid, and the others couldn’t help but exchange questioning glances.
“Hector, dear brother, it appears you have finally graced us with your presence. How delightful,” Bridget teased, a mocking twinkle in her eyes. “How is it that you still look so weary, despite having indulged in a lengthy slumber?”
Hector let out a lazy yawn and playfully rubbed his eyes, feigning exhaustion. “Ah, Bridget, my dear, sleep is a treacherous mistress. The more I embrace her, the more she demands of me. But fear not, for I have arrived, albeit in a rather lackadaisical fashion.”
Bridget couldn’t help but chuckle, her gaze drifting towards his attire. “And yet, sweet brother, you manage to overdress for dinner. Pray tell, did you mistake this gathering for a grand ball? Your sartorial elegance will know no bounds.”
Hector grinned, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. “Ah, sweetest sister, a gentleman must always present himself with the utmost refinement, you know this. Even if it means donning his finest attire for a simple meal. One mustneverunderestimate the power of a well-tailored coat.”
He let out a theatrical sigh as he continued with his usual flair of melodrama. “Now, Sister, I know you’ve been itching to know. I tell you, the horrors and trials I endured on my recent excursion would surely leave you breathless. I say, it’s only natural I want to sleep even till this moment.”
Bridget scoffed and shook her head, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “Oh, please, Hector, I highly doubt your escapades were as treacherous as you claim. And perhaps if you spent less time rummaging through your wardrobe for extravagant attire, you would have more energy for dinner.”
Olivia and Elliot joined in with laughter, their mirth echoing through the room.
Hector flashed Bridget a lazy grin, his eyes sparkling mischievously. “It is not my fault that I simply excel in matters of fashion. All my outfits are extravagant. What shall I do?”
Bridget rolled her eyes and chuckled right as Elliot did the same. “Indeed, Brother,” he chimed in, his tone filled with sarcasm. “No one can rival your exquisite taste in fashion. You claim the throne as king of the frills.”
Hector twirled with a flourish, winking at his siblings and grinning unabashedly. “There was a void waiting to be filled, and I gladly stepped into the role. It is my duty, my dear followers.”
The four of them laughed in unison, their shared camaraderie and playful banter filling the room as their conversations went on.
Finally, their parents arrived at the dining room, and the family settled around the table, ready to indulge in a sumptuous feast. Laughter and joyous conversations filled the air as the area filled with warmth and togetherness.
In the midst of this merry atmosphere, Bridget’s heart swelled with bittersweet emotions. She glanced around the table, taking in the familiar faces of her loved ones, and she realized that moments like these would be dearly missed.
The thought of leaving her family behind tugged at her heartstrings, but she resolved not to dwell on it too much. She did not want sadness to overshadow the joyous occasion.
With a determined smile gracing her lips, she tapped her wine glass gently, capturing the attention of everyone at the table. The room fell into a hushed silence, all eyes turning expectantly towards her.
