Chapter 20
“You’re always running late, aren’t you?” Old Mr. Rutledge chided gently, though the affection in his eyes gave him away. “We’ve been waiting for you all morning p>
Seren offered a meek apology. “It’s my fault. I’m sorry p>
He waved her off, his tone gruff but his gaze soft. “Alright, don’t try to sweet-talk your way out of this. Go on, help Lennon and Mrs. Crestwell find their seats p>
The three of them sat down together at the table.
Old Mr. Rutledge poured steaming water into the teapot, filling the room with a gentle aroma. The delicate porcelain, painted with slender green reeds, seemed to come alive in the swirl of rising steam.
Seren’s eyes prickled unexpectedly. This particular tea set-decorated with wind- blown reeds—was one of Old Mr. Rutledge’s prized possessions, usually kept locked away and never brought out for guests. The fact that he’d chosen it today spoke volumes about how important this meeting was to him.
“I just wanted you all to come over for a meal,” Old Mr. Rutledge said, turning to Shirley. “There was no need to go to so much trouble bringing all those gifts p>
Shirley answered with gentle composure, “Those engagement gifts were prepared long ago. There really wasn’t much to do at all p>
With the adults conversing, Seren-ever the considerate junior-sat quietly, listening. But Shirley’s words caught her off guard, and she glanced up, startled.
The engagement gifts were already prepared?
Sensing her confusion, Shirley added, her tone layered with meaning, “In fact, we set aside these gifts right after Lennon turned eighteen, ten years ago p>
Seren missed the implication, only turning to steal a glance at Lennon.
A pang of envy bloomed in her chest. How wonderful it must be to have parents who’d thought about your wedding a decade in advance.
As if reading her mind, Lennon looked up and met her gaze, his eyes bright and intent. “It’s true. I started preparing for this day ten years ago p>
Seren froze, realizing what he meant. Lennon had prepared those gifts himself. Ten years ago, Lennon was eighteen. The fact seemed ordinary on its own. But then Seren remembered something Old Mr. Rutledge had said that night—
“You’ve met Lennon before, though you were so little at the time, I doubt you remember p>
Suddenly, everything clicked. Could it be that Lennon had liked her all those years ago? That he’d been planning to marry her ever since?
The thought was
overwhelming-almost too much to hold onto so she quickly let it go After all, she’d never considered herself remarkable enough to inspire such steadfast devotion, especially after what happened three years ago with Sheridan, when her name had become infamous in Seaside City and she’d been shunned by nearly everyone.
She didn’t dare think further about it, and Lennon didn’t say another word.
There was still some time before lunch, and while Lennon took his mother on a stroll around the garden, Old Mr. Rutledge pressed a set of documents into Seren’s hands her identification, neatly stacked.
“Take these,” he said quietly. “After lunch, you and Lennon can go get your marriage license p>
Old Mr. Rutledge had picked up on the real story behind the polite words. That Crestwell boy had been planning to marry Seren for ten years now.
He’d hesitated before; even though he liked Lennon and found him reliable and honest, he’d worried that Seren might be mistreated if she married into the Crestwell family. But seeing how seriously they valued Seren, and knowing Lennon had waited a decade for her set his mind at ease.
He knew, without a doubt, that entrusting Seren to Lennon was the right choice. She would never be wronged, not for a single moment.
Seren accepted the documents with both hands. “Thank you, Grandpa p>
After a moment, Old Mr. Rutledge asked, “Shouldn’t you tell your parents and your brother about the wedding p>
It was only proper, after all.
Seren’s fingers tightened around the documents. She shook her head, her voice steady. “No. I’d rather not p>
He saw the determination in her eyes and understood she’d made up her mind.
He patted her shoulder. “Alright then. Just live your life the way you want. Sincerity unreturned is not worth it. No regrets p>
Old Mr. Rutledge had seen all too well how the Bradley family had treated Seren over the years. She’d done everything she could to please them but they’d never accepted her always keeping her alarm length, trampling over her feelings. Cóntent
Now that Seren was finally ready to cut ties, they’d have a lifetime to regret letting
her go.