Chapter 31

After the introductions were done, we settled into our seats and eagerly dug into a scrumptious feast laid out before us. Cold cuts, sandwiches, scrambled eggs, fruit juices, coffee and tea, buttered scones, muffins, and toasts adorned the table. I savored each bite in silence, occasionally exchanging words with Kenny, while Jasper caught up with his cousins. They regaled each other with stories of their adventures while they were away, and I listened with a warm sense of belonging.

As I looked around the room, I realized that these people had become my makeshift family for the year. I was determined to cherish every moment without worrying about the inevitable end. After our meal, the men excused themselves for a smoke, while I stayed inside with the women. Kenny stayed back with me, making me feel at ease and right at home.

All eyes eagerly fixated on Cassandra as Josephine posed the question, "Cassandra, have you and Jasper set a wedding date yet?" A surge of panic surged through he