Before The Beginning

Chapter 30: A Little Surprise

Begin!

~Beatrice's POV

"You know you're welcome to use our telegraph to contact your brothers," Sammie said, as I helped her clean up our breakfast plates the next morning. "Or perhaps Karrie. And I'm sure Bertrand would like to talk to Quinten." I couldn't help thinking it was nice to see her back in a better mood after our serious talk last night. They say a good night's sleep can do wonders for you emotionally.

"I talked that over with Bertie already," I replied, smirking. "We want the news to be a surprise."

"Which news, the engagement ring on your hand or the baby you're gonna have in 3 months?"

"Both, of course."

Sammie smiled, "Cheeky, I like it. But maybe at least give your family a heads up that you're coming home? John says we'll arrive at Briny Beach in about 5 more days."

"Good idea, I'll do that today." I glanced at Sammie while we worked. "By the way, I can't help asking, but what do you see in John anyway? I don't mean to be rude, but he is a bit eccentric."

"You're not the first one to ask. Well, he's financially stable, adventurous, charming, he makes me laugh, he's loyal as a dog, he's an honest gentleman, he loves kids, and my kids like him. So yeah, no idea what I was thinking, I must be crazy. Why do you ask?"

I snorted at her humorous answer; knowing that her question was rhetorical. "Blunt, but very enlightening. And Fernald wasn't bothered by having his chaperone marry his mom?"

"...He warmed up to it."

~Karen's POV

Apparently, today was the day Quinten wanted to give me his surprise. And he still won't tell me what it is! I even tried flirting and it didn't work! I hope it's worth the wait. Right now he was dragging me through the headquarters by the hand and leading me to where I did not know.

"Can you tell me where we're going yet?"

"Not yet," Quinten replied, flashing me his charming smile.

Damn that smile of his. It was not only handsome, it was warm and gentle. It made me feel at home with him. I continued following along, albeit while complaining some more.

After the third set of stairs we climbed I asked, "Are we there yet?"

"That's the wrong question, you should ask 'when are we going to get there?'"

I rolled my eyes, "Just tell me where we're going! I doubt that'll give away whatever surprise you have for me."

Quinten looked around the deserted area to ensure we were alone. "Karrie, have you ever been on the peak of Mount Fraught just outside headquarters?"

I gaped at him. "No I most certainly have not! There's 137 regulations about not going up there! You could get seen by a civilian, or worse an enemy could recognize you and find the headquarters by following you back down, and they don't want people over-feeding the eagles-"

"Karrie!"

"I'm just saying it's all in the rule book."

"Yeah well, don't you want to do something exciting? Like break a little rule...?"

"It's not just a little rule though, it's a lot of little rules. What are you playing at, Quagmire?"

He seemed determined to get me to do this. "If you want your surprise, you'll follow me to the peak of Mount Fraught. Your choice, Karrie."

I thought about it.

Then I thought about it some more.

Then I thought about it even more.