Scene from a current project

Liam was pacing the large marble entryway like a cat in a zoo. Every few paces he glanced to the doorway. He knew that she should have been there by now. Looking down at his phone he thought briefly about sending a text or calling. But as soon as the thought passed through his mind, he pushed the red button halfway through. No, she would be there. There was no need for him to be constantly making sure.

“If you have doubts then maybe you shouldn’t have invited her.” Lillian’s voice floated down to him from the balcony above.

“I really don’t appreciate your tone.” He glared up at her, and with the good manners to feign innocence Lillian started to come down the stairs.

“Well, it’s only that you are so worked up.” Her hand gestured to catch more of his attention. “I only thought that you want her to make a good impression because you want to marry her.”

“How did you know?” there was no denying the truth to her, she had found it out somehow. Lillian just laughed.

“Seriously, how did you find out?” Liam just stared at her, still halfway on the stairs when the door behind them creaked open and a breeze of summer air was let in by Grace.

                “Hello?” she didn’t come around the door right away and Liam could only glimpse her red hair through the glass.

                Reaching and pulling the door more open for her, she took his breath away.  He had only really seen her in her riding and casual wear, but here she was in a long black, no not black quiet black he had to correct himself. The dress shone and glimmered in the summer sun she had let in with her.

                “You made it!” he came around and pulled her into a hug. She sank gratefully into his embrace and he noticed with a touch of humor that she no longer smelled like horses, but she smelled fresh and clean, like a refreshing breeze.

                “Yes, welcome to our humble abode.” Lillian finished her descent down towards the door, but stood off to the side from the pair. Liam was suddenly glad that Grace was facing him with her back turned towards Lillian, her sarcastic tone and expression was enough to aggravate him, and he didn’t want Grace agitated.

                Ignoring his sisters demeanor, he kissed her soundly. Her cheeks were flushed when he pulled back, and her eyes were dancing. “The dining room is through these doors.”

                He took her arm, and leading Grace with his sister trailing behind, they went through the French doors into the next room.