Page 47 of Tied to Hope
“And which one of you made it?” Marquis asked, having sampled many of Brie’s failures in the past.
Sir put his arm around Brie and answered proudly, “We both did.”
“I needn’t worry about being poisoned with salt then,” he replied, giving Brie a wink.
Brie blushed, remembering the night when she’d ruined the beautiful custard she’d made by accidentally adding salt instead of sugar.
Turning to Celestia, she said apologetically, “I still feel bad about you eating that.”
Celestia smiled kindly. “Don’t be, Brie. It is a fond memory of mine and a testament to how far you have come.”
Celestia had this gentle way about her that always set Brie at ease. In some respects, she was the polar opposite of Marquis, bringing calm and acceptance where Marquis always brought intensity and challenge. Together they were the perfect combination.
“By the way, we brought you a housewarming gift,” Celestia said, pulling a square box from her purse.
“Thank you!” Brie smiled at both of them as she took it. Untying the blue bow, she opened the lid and saw a set of marble coasters with “The Davis Home” etched in them.
Brie teared up. The word “home” had such a wonderful permanence about it.
She showed them to Sir while she wiped her eyes discreetly.
“That was very thoughtful. Thank you to you both,” Sir told them.
“It’s a true pleasure to see you doing so well as a family,” Marquis Gray stated.
Sir looked back at Brie and gave her a charming smile. “On that front we are golden.”
Marquis Gray nodded, obviously picking up on what was not being said. However, rather than confront Sir on it, he asked, “Where’s that cat of yours?”
“Shadow?” Brie asked.
“Yes.”
“Follow me and I’ll show you.” Brie walked them into the great room where Hope had fallen asleep in her carrier. “You can pretty much find Shadow wherever Hope is. I think it’s adorable. It’s like Shadow has appointed himself as her personal guardian angel.”
Shadow had been staring at the baby, but when Brie mentioned his name, he turned his head toward the group, blinking at them with those big green eyes.
“A remarkable animal,” Marquis said.
“Why? Did you become chums while you were watching him for us?” Sir joked.
“In a manner of speaking, yes,” Marquis answered, looking fondly on the cat.
As if to confirm his statement, Shadow stood up and walked over to Marquis, rubbing his cheek against his pants leg.
“Wow, Shadow doesn’t normally take to people,” Brie told him. “Although I can’t say I’m surprised he likes you. The two of you have similar stares.”
Marquis raised an eyebrow. “Do we, Mrs. Davis?”
Brie nodded, suddenly embarrassed for voicing it out loud. “So…this is the great room. Doesn’t it have an amazing view of the ocean?”
“It certainly does, Brie,” Celestia agreed, instantly making Brie feel at ease again.
“Let us show you the rest of the house while the Ribollita finishes simmering,” Sir suggested. Unlike before, he started with the upstairs first.
Marquis was quick to compliment Brie’s new workspace. “I’m glad to hear you are returning to your films, Mrs. Davis. You have a simple and honest narrative that this industry sorely needs.”
His rare praise overwhelmed Brie. “Thank you, Marquis. Sir has strongly encouraged me to invest more time in my next project.”
