Chapter 21

Looking at myself in the mirror, I forced a smile. “Smile today. Be happy. Live happily ever after, from now on,” I told myself.

When I went downstairs, Matthew and Lindey had already prepared breakfast. They’d even replaced the regular tableware and couch covers with the special family occasion sets.

“Rea, once you get your marriage certificate, come back so we can celebrate and discuss the wedding party details,” Lindey said, sounding more excited than I was.

“Sure!” I replied.

Lindey looked at me. “You look beautiful today. It would look even better embellished with pearls or Swarovski crystals.”

“That would be too conspicuous,” I said.

“Don’t listen to her,” Matthew interjected, correcting Lindey. “It’s not a wedding ceremony; there’s no need to dress extravagantly just to get a marriage license. Rea, wear whatever you like.”

I smiled, feeling warm inside.

Lindey dragged me to the table. Along with the usual lavish breakfast, there were two extra eggs and a sausage arranged in a way that made me blush.

Before I could ask, Lindey whispered in my ear, “This is our family custom. It symbolizes the hope for a child soon. But I don’t care if it’s a boy or a girl; I just hope you and Jace have a child soon.”

My face burned as I looked at the eggs and sausage, feeling too embarrassed to eat them.

“Just take a bite,” Lindey said, peeling an egg and handing it to me.

Not wanting to disappoint her, I took a bite, my face still red, and then focused on my oatmeal.

It wasn’t until I was almost finished that I noticed Jace wasn’t there. “Where’s Jace?”

“He hasn’t come down yet,” Lindey replied, just as we heard footsteps on the stairs. Jace was coming down.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that his expression was more serious than usual. My heart sank as I watched him walk over.

“Rea, I talked to Abbot Levinsky, and he said the best time to get the certificate is at 10:58 a.m., so we don’t need to go so early.”

“Oh,” I mumbled, feeling my excitement fade.

I knew Abbot Levinsky; he was Jace’s spiritual mentor. Here in Kehlmark, Harmonism held sway. People consulted Harmonist monks or sisters for auspicious dates when planning important events.

Lindey and Matthew chimed in, “Yeah, listen to Abbot Levinsky.”

Jace sat down to eat. He finished the fancy breakfast quickly—not rushed, but faster than usual. Lindey handed him the rest of my egg and sausage, which he ate without hesitation.

“Rea, wait for me at home. I need to prepare something,” he said mysteriously.

Lindey winked at me, mouthing that he was getting a gift ready for me.

Remembering he’d mentioned a prize for being first yesterday, I assumed the same and watched him leave. I went upstairs to change.

Just as I took off my coat, my phone rang. It was Gavin. “Good morning, Mrs. Johnston.”

It seemed Gavin knew about our plans to get married today.

I smiled. “Good morning, Gavin. What’s up?”

“I’m sending you an address. Come over, and I’ll be waiting for you there. Mr. Johnston has a gift for you,” Gavin said mysteriously.

“Alright,” I agreed and hung up.

Gavin sent me the address for a neighborhood called Splendor Heights. I drove there and found Gavin waiting for me. Without a word, he handed me a set of keys. It hit me then that Jace’s gift was a penthouse.

He knew me well. Even though the Johnston residence was nice, he knew I still wanted my own space. A mix of sweet and warm feelings filled my heart.

Feeling happy, I grabbed the keys and opened the door. The bright space inside instantly delighted me. I stepped in, but as soon as one foot crossed the threshold, a familiar figure emerged from the bedroom. It was Tanya, wearing a nightgown. I stood frozen in place.