Page 58 of Lavender and Honey

Lucian stood at the edge of the nest, his back to me as he conversed quietly with Elias. They both seemed unaware of my awakening; their hushed voices weaved a tranquil rhythm that seemed almost sacred in the stillness of the early morning. Iblinked slowly, trying to clear the remnants of sleep from my vision while attempting to make sense of their muted exchange.

Their body language spoke volumes—shoulders relaxed, heads tilted toward each other, the occasional hand gesture punctuating their conversation. Even though I couldn't grasp the words, the cadence of their speech was oddly soothing. It was a reminder of the intimacy I had stumbled into with these men, an intimacy that both bewildered and warmed me.

For a moment, I simply observed them, the introverted artist within me sketching mental outlines of their profiles against the soft morning light.

"Good morning," I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep, meeting the gaze of Lucian and Elias, who had turned their attention toward me.

"Morning, Lydia," Lucian replied, his tone hushed but carrying a clear note of cheer. I blinked up at them, momentarily disoriented, surprised by the sunlight that hinted at a day already in motion. Had I really slept in this long? A tinge of panic set in—this wasn't like me—and I sat up abruptly, the words tumbling out in a rush of embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, I didn't realize—"

"Hey, it's alright." Lucian's soothing voice cut through my frantic apology, steady and reassuring. His presence was like an anchor, his calm demeanor settling the flurry of thoughts that threatened to spiral within me.

"Lucian's right, don't worry about it," Elias chimed in from beside him, a smile in his voice. I took a deep breath, nodding slowly. Heat flushed across my cheeks as I fully sat up, the embarrassment of oversleeping still clinging to me. Lucian's words had been gentle, meant to ease my worry, yet my mind wrestled with the notion that I could have so easily lost track of time.

"Looks like you needed the rest," Lucian said, his smile reaching his eyes. It was an understanding smile, one that didn't seek to pry or judge, but simply to offer comfort.

Elias chuckled softly, the sound a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. He shifted closer, his fingers lightly brushing over my head, taming the unruly strands that spoke volumes of my unexpected slumber. "Sleep must have claimed you fiercely," he teased, the warmth in his tone wrapping around me like a blanket.

I couldn't help but lean into his touch, the action involuntary and exposing more than I usually allowed. His hands were skilled from years of kneading dough and tying knots in twine around jars of preserves; they moved with a grace that belied their strength.

"Would you like something to eat?" Elias asked, his hazel eyes meeting mine with an openness that invited trust. "Breakfast, maybe?"

. "Breakfast would be nice," I admitted, my voice sounding small in the vast space of possibilities that this new day presented. "We did miss dinner last night..." My sentence trailed off, an apology perched on the tip of my tongue, ready to leap into the silence.

Elias caught my gaze before the words could escape, his look holding a soft but firm admonition. It was as if he could hear the unspoken apology, and his expression gently chided me against voicing it. His eyes held stories of understanding, of knowing when to let certain moments pass unsaid.

"Lydia, don't even think of apologizing," Elias's voice was light but firm as he interrupted the unspoken words forming at my lips. "Some things are worth missing dinner for." His smile was reassuring, as if granting permission to let go of any lingering guilt. "Besides, the others handled everything without us while we slept in our nest."

The warmth in his tone wrapped around me like a comforting shawl, easing the tension that had started to build in my shoulders. I let out a soft breath, allowing myself a small smile in return, grateful for the reprieve.

"Us?" I echoed, a flicker of curiosity igniting within me. The word hung in the air—intimate and inclusive—and I couldn't help but wonder at its implications.

Elias nodded, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening with his grin. "Our nest," he clarified, gesturing around the cozy space we occupied.

"Our nest?" I repeated, the two words landing in my chest with an unexpected weight. My heart stuttered, caught between the surprise of inclusion and the vulnerability such an admission brought.

My heart fluttered like the wings of a hummingbird trapped inside my chest. Elias’ words—so simple, yet heavy with meaning—echoed in my ears, and an unexpected surge of belonging swelled inside me. The corners of his mouth curled up, his hazel eyes glinting with a soft light that seemed to pierce through the last remnants of the walls I’d built around myself.

“Yes, our nest. That is what it will be from now on. Anytime you feel like it, you are welcome to it.”

His sincerity wrapped around me like a soothing balm, his voice steady, warm, unwavering in its acceptance. That warmth—something I had come to associate with Elias—radiated from him, and I found myself leaning into it, even if only metaphorically. He was a harbor in the stormy seas of my own doubts and insecurities—a safe place to dock my restless spirit.

I parted my lips, a softthank youpoised on my tongue, but before I could speak, a small laugh drew my gaze to the other side of the nest.

“What time do you need to be at the shop?” Lucian asked, glancing at the clock.

“I head in between eight and nine,” I answered. It was such a simple thing, part of my everyday life, yet grounding in a way I hadn’t realized I needed.

Lucian nodded, the corners of his lips curling just slightly. “It’s about six now,” he informed me, his voice as smooth as ever. Knowing I still had time before the day swept me away brought an unexpected sense of relief.

“Plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast, then,” he added, his tone carrying an easy certainty.

The thought of breakfast with Elias and Lucian—without the pressing weight of schedules or expectations—seemed almost indulgent, a luxury I hadn’t known I craved until now.

I let my gaze drift toward the window, where dawn’s soft light filtered in, casting a golden glow over the nest that cradled us.

“Breakfast sounds perfect,” I murmured, turning back to them, my voice carrying a warmth that mirrored the morning light. And for the first time in a long while, I realized I was looking forward to the start of a new day.

With a hint of reluctance, I pulled myself from the comforting tangle of blankets. The morning air kissed my skin, cool against the warmth I left behind. Lucian’s steady hands found my waist, guiding me with a gentleness that contrasted with the strength I knew he possessed. Under his steady gaze, a new awareness settled over me, unraveling the lingering fog of sleep.

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