21

Inara would have liked more time to try and calm herself but remembering her last episode with him on timing, she hurried to her parent’s room and knocked on the door.

“Dad, mum, Lemuel is taking me out.”

She hoped they couldn’t hear the tremor she was fighting to keep from her voice.

“Enjoy your courtship.” Her mum said.

“Chastely.” her dad added.

“I love you.” she said and hurried to the room Amara used as a studio. The door was open and her sister was engrossed at her canvas, replicating the picture of a lavender garden in sunset.

“Nice work. Lemuel is taking me out.”

“Thanks. Great. Have fun.” Amara said without turning. She was always concentrated when she worked.

“Thanks.” Inara said and paused as her phone buzzed again with Lemuel’s call. She picked it up and brought it up to her ear.

“Hello.”

“What are you wearing?”

“Jeans and tee-shirt.”

“I want you in a dress. Two minutes.”

The call went off and Inara hastened back to her bedroom and changed into a simple straight knee-length