The Bride In Black

Part 77

We walked hand in hand through the sweet garden looking at all the various blooms, many of which were impossible to find elsewhere in the world. All the while we chatted mostly about our wedding and how excited we both were. Until we stumbled upon Oliver's greenhouse deep in the gardens a long walk to or from anywhere else the tall two-towered metal structure was built at a similar time to the spa or certainly looked as if it had been. Full with flourishing plants and flowers on various shelves and stands. Oliver saw us through the window and opened the little door

"Hello" He smiled

"Hi Oliver, Out here again?" Thomas asked

"Course, I always am" he chuckled cleaning his dirt-covered hands off on his green gardening apron with a small planting fork hanging from its pocket

"What are you working on?" I asked

"Well someone has to get the gardens ready for you two's wedding"

"And we're very thankful for all your help Oliver"

"It's no trouble I needed an excuse to kick my damn butt to sort this place out"

"I was looking a little..."Thomas began

"Watch it"

"Sorry"

"It's fine, Been busy" Oliver shrugs

"Would you like to come on a walk with us?" I asked

"That's alright I have work to do"

"Ohh, if you don't mind I'd love to help. I've been meaning to chat with you anyway"

"Sure I can always use a spare hand"

"You don't mind Thomas?"

"Not at all Y/n. just yell if you need me" He smiled giving me a sweet kiss before he continued on his garden walk so I hurried inside the greenhouse to help Oliver with the plants and flowers most of it stuff to set up our wedding

"You take good care of this place?"

"I have too, it's my little home out of the house. Little space away from Ava. I love her but you know we all need our own space" he says "Thomas gave you somewhere like that yet?

"Yes. but it's a secret"

"Fair enough" he chucked

"How long have you had the greenhouse?"

"Well it's always been on the property but fallen into disrepair when I met lawan, when I moved in she found I like dot go walking and decided to give me it been fixing it up ever since" he explained

"Well it's lovely" I smiled

"Thanks, Y/n" He smiled

"What did... you mean?"

"What?"

"When did you give me that little note? At dinner?"

"Oh, I was wondering when that would come back to bite me," He says "Come on," he says heading to the door, I followed him out the two of us walking through the garden with a fair space between us "When I first met Ava I have to admit I was utterly smitten with her, we met at the wedding and we just couldn't help wanting to be with each other all the time constantly on call, constantly talking and I just couldn't stay away. But... I have to admit. When she first told me, of the family secret. And showed me her true form. I was scared. Scareder than I had ever felt before I did my best to save face because I love her so much but she frightened me beyond measure. I didn't sleep for a week. I'd lay in bed thinking about ava's form. About Natalie, about Thomas. How at a drop of a pin could any of them could kill me. But she promised I was safe. When I learnt about the process I would have to endure I admit that it spooked me too. When you arrived and it became clear you were staying here, I got worried for you. I had heard about Thomas's form, about his... violence before. And that you too would have to go through the process. My cold feet got the better of me." he explained "I'm sorry for that note, I shouldn't have written it. I was being foolish, worrying for you, and for myself. I'm sorry for scaring you and if I caused you any doubt"