The Last Waltz

Chapter 9

It was a month later. Poppy and Isaac had decided to wait three months before getting married. They had to wait one month for the license to be granted, and they wanted people to believe the ruse that they were at least fond of each other, if not in love.

They had been eating out a few times a week together, Poppy had been attending church services with them, and spending time at the castle. However, Isaac never came to her cottage again, and Poppy believed it was because he worried about her reputation.

It was a Friday evening, and she was having dinner at the castle. They ate at an old wooden farm table in the massive kitchen when it was just the family. Boyd and Isaac took turns cooking most nights, but Poppy and Mary had made a few meals. Boyd always had the news playing in the background, but they didn't pay attention to it much. It was ambient noise.

These were Poppy's favorite meals because she felt like she was part of the family. Mary and Peter had accepted her presence as if she had always been a part of their unit. Poppy had even started helping to tuck Peter in at night.

The only time Poppy avoided the castle was on tour days. She felt like she was always in the way, and she didn't want to deal with Siobahn alone since Isaac always found something else to do on those days. He was not a fan of strangers wandering through his home.

That night, they talked about Halloween costumes and who would be what. Then Boyd told a funny story about Isaac and his sister getting into trouble with their costumes when they were children.

"Sally told me about days gone past when there was a Halloween party here at the castle, and the entire village would be invited. She also mentioned New Year's Eve parties," Poppy watched Isaac's reaction carefully. It appeared he wasn't listening, but she knew he was.

"Yes, I've heard about those. They were before I bought the castle. I never continued the tradition because I was a bachelor raising two children, and party planning wasn't in my wheelhouse. I heard they were great fun, though." Boyd smiled.

"Would you consider ever having one?" Poppy asked Isaac, and the entire table held its breath as he leaned back in his chair and considered Poppy's request.

"If I don't have to do anything, sure. That is if Boyd's all right with the idea." Isaac put it back on Boyd.

"I think it sounds like fun," Boyd nodded. "The children would love it." He looked at Mary, who was on the edge of her seat, holding her excitement in as best she could.

"Could I invite my friends?" she asked quietly.

"Of course, it would be your party too!" Poppy insisted with a grin that Mary allowed herself to return. "You'll have to help me plan it, and maybe I can get Sally and Ayleen to help as well."

"Can I help?" Peter asked as he smacked his food.

"We'll put you in charge of cobwebs. How does that sound?" Poppy suggested, and he nodded eagerly. He had no clue what it meant, but he knew he wanted to be included.

"All we have to do for that is stop cleaning for the next two months," Isaac suggested. It was a rare glimpse of his dry humor.

"Nope, they have to be placed in just the right spots, and I know Peter will be ideal at picking them. He'll harness his inner Spiderman." Poppy watched as Peter jumped up in his seat, made a whooshing sound, and threw out his hand in Spiderman fashion "See, perfect!" Poppy high-fived him as he settled back down into his seat.

Isaac shook his head, but Poppy could tell he was hiding a smile. She would have to ask him later why he had been so quick to agree to a party. She thought he would take more convincing than he had.