Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 125
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Chapter One Hundred And Twenty–five: That Was Close.
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Inside the guest room at the far end of the hallway, Emily Rhodes sat comfortably on the edge of the bed, a soft lamp glowing beside her. The room had been carefully prepared for her with fresh flowers on the dresser, warm–toned curtains, a knitted throw folded at the foot of the bed. Cassienne had personally chosen the arrangement earlier that afternoon.
Emily adjusted the tablet on the small round table in front of her, angling it carefully so the camera caught her face clearly.
“Can you see me well?” she asked, squinting slightly at the screen.
On the other side of the video call were Joseph and Abigail, seated together in their living room. Joseph wore his usual composed expression, though there was unmistakable warmth in his eyes. Abigail leaned slightly toward the screen, smiling brightly.
“We can see you perfectly,” Abigail replied. “And you look radiant.”
Emily laughed softly. She held up the half–finished sweater she was knitting. A pale yellow yarn looped delicately around her
needles.
“You can’t believe how happy I am,” she began, her voice gentle but full of life. “To see the children so in love… It made my heart swell.”
Joseph nodded immediately. “Dreston cherishes Cassienne a lot. And Cassienne,” he added with meaning, “she loves him just as much.”
Abigail smiled, though her fingers tightened slightly around the edge of the sofa cushion. “Of course. They’re made for each
other.”
Emily’s eyes softened.
“I always knew they would end up like this,” she said dreamily. “From when they were teenagers. I could see it. The way Cassienne looked at him… and the way he pretended not to notice.” She chuckled. “Young love is the purest.”
Joseph and Abigail laughed along, though beneath the laughter was a thin layer of unease.
Because they knew the truth. And they also knew how fragile this entire arrangement was.
“I hope they start making babies soon,” Emily added suddenly, her tone playful but sincere. “I want to carry their children before I get too old to chase them around.”
Joseph cleared his throat awkwardly before laughing. Abigail joined him, though her smile faltered for half a second.
“We’ll leave that to them,” Joseph said lightly.
Emily waved her knitting needle dismissively. “You just wait and see. I will be knitting tiny sweaters very soon.” (1
They chatted for a few more minutes, about the expo, about how proud Joseph was of Cassienne’s achievements, about how healthy and strong Emily looked. Eventually, they said their goodnights.
When the call ended, Emily placed the tablet carefully on the nightstand.
The room grew quiet. She sighed contentedly. For the first time in years, as much as she could remember, she telt truly at peace.
She set her knitting aside and adjusted her pillows, preparing to lie down. But just as she switched oft the lamp, a thought struck
her.
The children. A soft smile curved her lips.
She remembered how she used to check on Cassienne every night when she was younger, making sure she had fallen asleep properly, brushing hair off her face, whispering little blessings under her breath.
Even now, though Cassienne was a married woman, it felt the same.
14
Chapter One Hundred And Twenty–five That Was Close
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“They are still my children.”
Emily slipped her feet into her slippers and wrapped a light shawl around her shoulders. She stepped out into the hallway, the mansion quiet and dimly lit.
Her footsteps were slow but steady as she made her way toward Dreston and Cassienne’s bedroom.
She paused in front of the door. For a moment, she hesitated. Maybe I shouldn’t disturb them. But then again… it wouldn’t hurt to check.
She knocked gently. There was no response. So she waited. She smiled to herself. “They must be asleep.”
So she turned slightly, preparing to walk back to her room. When the door suddenly opened.
Dreston stood there, his hair slightly tousled, wearing a loose white T–shirt and dark lounge pants. His expression held clear surprise.
“Emily,” he said softly, recovering quickly. “What are you doing here?”
His heart had skipped a beat. He hadn’t expected her.
Emily leaned forward slightly, trying to peek past him into the room.
Dreston immediately understood what she was doing. He stepped aside without hesitation, allowing her a clear view.
Inside, Cassienne lay on the bed, fast asleep, her hair spread across the pillow, one arm resting gently above the blanket.
Emily’s face melted with affection.
“Oh,” she whispered. “She sleeps the same way.”
Dreston smiled faintly.
“I’m sorry,” Emily said quickly. “I thought I should check on you children. Old habits.” She chuckled softly. “I’ll go to sleep now. Don’t mind this old woman coming to disturb your rest.”
“You’re not disturbing anyone,” Dreston replied politely.
Emily looked at him warmly.
“Kiss Cassienne for me,” she added with a playful wink.
Dreston’s ears turned faintly red.
“Good night, mother,” he said gently.
“Good night,” she replied, smiling as she turned and walked back down the hallway.
He watched her disappear into the guest room before closing the bedroom door carefully.
The moment the latch clicked into place, he exhaled sharply.
“Wow,” he muttered under his breath, letting out a low whistle. “That was close.”
He leaned back briefly against the door, running a hand through his hair. If he hadn’t opened the door in time. It she had walked in…
He shook his head. Then he turned toward the bed.
Cassienne hadn’t stirred.
She remained peacefully asleep, unaware of how narrowly they had avoided a possible disaster.
Chapter One Hundred And Twenty–five That Was Close
Dreston walked back toward the bed quietly and stood there for a moment, just looking at her.
“One month,” he murmured to himself.
Then he switched off the bedside lamp and slid back under the covers, careful not to wake her.
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