SERENDIPITY

~43~ Back Home And Wedding Ceremony ✔️

"You're most welcome, Miss," Robin greeted with a warm smile as I handed him the car keys.

"Thanks, Robin," I responded, offering a small but genuine smile in return.

"I'll round up the others to assist me in bringing the items inside," he stated.

Grateful, I nodded. "Has the room I requested been prepared?" I inquired.

"Indeed, Miss. Your grandmother arranged for dream catchers to be hung above their beds for good luck," he shared nonchalantly.

A nostalgic smile graced my lips. Mia and I used to have dream catchers above our beds. "That's thoughtful, Robin. I appreciate your efforts in managing the household and looking after my grandparents during my absence."

He beamed at me. "It's my duty, and this place has become a home for me since your kindness allowed my family to stay in the wooden house. To me, it's more of a mansion than a mere two-story dwelling. It's I who should extend my gratitude to you, Miss." His smile widened. "Delia and Edeline wanted me to convey their warm regards. They were thrilled upon hearing about your return today, but they have dance practice and won't be back until 5 p.m."

Delia and Edeline are Robin's twin daughters who are by now, ten years old. 

I returned his smile warmly. "Please give them my affection and let them know they're welcome to visit me whenever they're free. After all, I've brought along two surprises that are alive."

"I'll certainly pass on the message. Shall we depart at six for the wedding?" he inquired, glancing at his wristwatch.

"Yes," I replied, noticing his expression change. "What's the matter?" I inquired with a touch of concern.

"It's currently 4:13 pm, Miss," he informed me.

Startled, I felt a sense of urgency. "Then I must prepare without delay." With those words, I hurried into the house.

As I entered, Sienna and Ulises were engrossed in recounting a tale to their great-grandparents, eliciting hearty laughter from the elderly couple. Their laughter was so infectious that they hadn't noticed my entrance.

I cleared my throat theatrically. "Am I invited to join in on this delightful moment?" I inquired playfully.

Their heads turned in unison to meet my gaze. "Mummy!" Ulises called out gleefully. "Sienna's telling Grandma and Grandpa how Uncle Adrian accidentally tumbled into the pool while chasing us for calling Aunt Magnolia."

A genuine smile curved my lips. "Ah, I see," I remarked, moving closer to the group. "Well done, Sienna. But, my dears, we have a wedding to attend. Why don't you go with Fiona? She'll help you get ready for the occasion."

"But I just started telling them the story," Sienna protested with a hint of disappointment.

"There'll be more time for stories after the wedding, Sienna," I reassured her gently.

She pouted a bit. "But I have a different story in mind," she retorted.

"Sienna," I began in a patient tone.

Grandma interjected with a kind smile. "I'll handle getting them ready, dear." She reached out and took their little hands in hers.

With a soft sigh, I relented. "Very well then."

"But we certainly have plenty to catch up on, my dear," she said, her index finger playfully pointing at me in an accusing manner.

"Alright," I replied slowly, a sheepish grin forming on my lips.

She ushered them upstairs to her room. As they disappeared from sight, I turned to face my grandfather. "Grandpa..."

"My dear Ella," he addressed me, moving towards me with deliberate steps.