The Last Waltz

Chapter 19

Isaac closed the door behind them, leaned against his desk, and crossed his arms, watching and waiting.

"Married, Poppy?" Eli asked as he turned to face her.

"Ummm, yes..." She looked at Isaac for help, and surprisingly, he was willing.

"Poppy and I met when she moved here about four months ago. When we met, it was..." He looked at Poppy almost lovingly, and Poppy felt her heart turn over. If only it were real! "We'll let's just say that there were a few sparks, but as we got to know each other-"

"We fell in love." Poppy finished, unsure of what he was about to say but worried it would be the wrong thing. Somehow, she knew it would not be a fake admission of love. It was easy for her to say because the feelings were real, but it wouldn't be for him.

"I am mesmerized by her ability to light up a room and make absolutely everyone fall in love with her." Isaac smiled; the first honest-to-goodness smile she had seen light his face. It transformed him, and she was caught in its spell, staring hard at his lips as they curved up. He had been talking about her when he smiled. Perhaps not all hope was lost.

They had one of their moments, locked in each other's gaze until Eli cleared his throat.

"I take it since Sunny and I didn't know about your marriage that no one else in the family does?" He raised an eyebrow in question.

"No, there are some issues with the children, and I didn't want the Stevens Circus in town, so we opted for a quiet wedding. I hope to tell them soon. I know everyone is still very worried about Mave."  It was a weak excuse but a valid one.

"Issues?" Eli asked with a frown, looking at Isaac for an explanation.

"The Glenns have been making noises about suing for custody of the children," Isaac explained, short and to the point.

Sunny and Eli exchanged a look, and Sunny nodded.

"We hadn't planned on staying the night, but now I think we should. Can you put us up in this shack?" Eli asked, looking at the ornate study with its custom cabinets and large fireplace. "I must admit that this place is much grander than I had imagined from your mother's stories."

Isaac looked at Poppy, confused by the odd statement, but only he said, "I think we can manage."

Poppy cringed inwardly, knowing there would be questions about it later.

Eli eyed them both. "For the record, I think there is more going on here than you are saying, but as long as you're both happy, then we're happy. You young lady," he turned to look at Poppy, "need to tell your family."

Poppy opened her mouth to beg him not to tell them, to let her do it, but he held up his hand.

"I'm not going to do it. Your father would take his displeasure out on me, so I'll let you and your mother weather that one."

"Now, show us our room." Eli stood and placed his arm around Poppy's shoulders, pulling her close. 

*******

About an hour later, when everyone was settled again, Poppy went to her studio and started on a sketch of Slinger. She was worried, and drawing would help focus her mind. She knew that Eli and Sunny wouldn't say anything to her parents. Eli was on a European tour for the next two months, so he and Sunny would be off the radar for the family.

What she was most worried about was the fact that they were staying the night. It had been easy to fool the Glenns because they didn't know either her or Isaac that well, but her aunt and uncle knew her very well, and they would see any hole that appeared in their story or actions immediately.