As soon as they entered the house. Daniel, Bella and Daisy were taken aback by the simple yet elegent decoration of the house.
" This is majorly thanks to Al, Wil is the next highest contributor for the arrangements you are seeing." Irene informed the three new comers.
Everyone, please feel free and consider this your home. There is no restrictions except for the first floor. It belongs to the ladies. Without their permission, men are not allowed." Roderick informed the newcomers.
Daisy, Bella please come with us, Lilly took their hands and went upstairs along with Irene. Her gaze lingering on Dave for a few more seconds fondly. Dave who noticed this, smiled and inclined his head fondly and mouthed, 'My Lady'. Blushing, Irene climbed the steps in hurry. Rodric laughed heartly watching their interactions, which made Dave also to blush."
"It's fine Dave, we all know about it. Why are you both still acting so strangely?" Infact even my parents and grandpa Samuels also know about Rene's feeling."
"What....!!!!!" Not only Dave but all others turned towards Roderick. Daniel felt a bit misinformed about the entire situation.
Roderick shrugged. "The time when we first met, I felt Rene was acting suspiciously around you. When I asked her during that night's dinner, she confessed having a crush on you. Father told us not to take it seriously at that time as girls at that age will have change in their hearts more often than a man."
Dave let out a sigh of relief but still a hint of sadness was on his face. Roderick continued with a mischievous smile. "He also told if over the years Rene truely loves you and if even you reciprocate her feelings then he doesn't have any issue for your marriage with her."
Dave's face was beet red due to joy, embarrassment and shyness so much so that, it felt like it would explode any time. One by one all the boys started congratulate him silently. Dave still smiled sadly and looked at the others solemnly. Understanding his concerns. They all fell silent.
"Guys a bit of more context here would help me understand the situation better." Daniel asked them with curiocity visible on his face.
"Dave here had saved Rene a couple of times, and he is her hero now." Bob smiled mischievously while others noded.
"In that case, congratulations David." Daniel smiled and shook his hand.
Hey I am getting hungry. Harry called from behind them. Besides the girls will come down soon. If the news of this reaches their ears then...."
"We already heard it.... " Lilly shouted from the first floor and shut the door closed.
"Ok guys, clean yourself up. Wil, share a pair of clothes to Daniel. I will go to kitchen and start preparing the dinner. "
No need, I already have mine with me, Daniel showed his ring and smiled.
"Good then." Alan smiled and went into the kitchen.
On the first floor. Irene's face was as red as a tomato. Lilly smiled happily and hugged her "Congrats Sister. I hope atleast now my brother will give more attention to you."
"Ah.... A little background would definately help." Daisy looked at them with expectation.
"My brother Dave had saved Rene a couple of times. And being quick witted and having a great sense of humor, he had won her heart long ago. Even though they both know about it they had never openly acknowledged it." Lilly told them.
Both Bella and Daisy congratulated her. "I know he also likes me but, there is something that's bothering him or stopping him from acknowledging me." Irene said with a sad smile.
Lilly smiled, "It might be due to uncertainty of the future Rene. Don't worry, he will come to his senses and accept you one day."
After that they got ready and came down for dinner..
The air was filled with the aroma of spices and cooking meat, making their mouth water and tummy growl.
"Mmmmmm..... It smells like stew and boar meat steak, my favourite." Lilly bounded towards the kitchen.
In a few minutes she came back looking sad, pouting. "It's still not ready...." She slumped on a chair.
Half an hour later, Alan and Williams came out with huge pot and a huge plate of sizzling and smoking steaks skewed on the sticks."
"Help yourself, we still have plenty of it from where it came from."
Mouth watering, everyone started to help themselves with a big bowl of stew and a plate full of steaks.
Within half an hour, the pot full of stew and the plate full of steaks were cleaned up. Smiling, Alan and Williams went inside and got another pot full of stew and steaks. Everyone had a scrumptious dinner. The three new comers becam fan of Alan's cooking.
"Alan, if you don't mind can we have dinner here everyday? Bella pleaded, Daisy, Daniel and even Harry nodded in agreement.
Alan smiled, " The more, the merrier... But don't expect to have a feast like this everyday."
After wishing everyone good night, the three of them left to their quarters, Harry accompanied them. At the gate, Daniel looked hesitant and wanted to ask something.