All Is Bright - K. Sterling Page 0,50

the vault. She was in awe of everything but the various letters from British authors, poets and playwrights made her cry and Cyril promised she always had free run of his entire collection. They showed her to Farris’s old suite and Cyril officially made it Cassie’s for whenever she wanted to visit. Farris surprised her with a selection of evening gowns as he gave her a tour of the dressing room.

“Dinner is always formal here,” Farris informed Cassie and she refused to believe the dresses, shoes and accessories were for her.

“I assure you, neither of us wear heels,” Cyril said.

“But this is so much!” She protested. “And how do I pick?”

“I don’t know but you’ll have plenty of chances to wear them all,” Farris promised and Cyril didn’t know who was more excited at the idea, him or Cassie. Farris and Cassie weren’t like a traditional father and daughter but they were a real family and Cyril wanted to be part of that and make them his. “Merry Christmas, Cass!” Farris said, beaming as he helped her pick a dress for the evening and they had way too much fun picking shoes and earrings. Cyril watched from an armchair in the corner and laughed as Farris loaded Cassie down with far too much jewelry and made a mess of her makeup before they left her to change in peace. They were enjoying a drink in the study when Cassie poked her head around the door. “Get in here!” Farris demanded then gushed when she nervously posed in a soft pink off-the-shoulder dress with a cocktail length tulle skirt.

“I don’t know if this works on me,” she said as she shook out the airy layers of the skirt but Cyril clicked his teeth and signaled to Alon to open the champagne.

“You look like a goddess,” Cyril told her. And she did. She wasn’t Farris’s biological daughter but she had pale blonde waves and soft green eyes like him and Cyril could believe they were meant to find each other.

“You look stunning, baby,” Farris said then winced at her nude kitten heels. “Are you comfortable though?” He asked but she pulled a face then jumped when Alon popped the cork.

“Does it matter if I’m comfortable? I’ve never worn a dress this nice in my life and look at this bracelet! Where did you get it?” She asked and Farris’s lips twisted as he took her wrist so he could get a closer look.

“Hold on. Is this from the vault? Have we been playing with your jewelry?” He asked and Cyril raised a shoulder and thanked Alon as he offered him a flute.

“I’ll certainly never wear any of it so I thought it might be nice if Cassie did while she was here.”

“Oh, my God. These are real?” She asked as she snatched her wrist back and held it up to the light.

“I should have guessed,” Farris sighed but he was smiling as he accepted a glass and Cassie jumped again when Alon offered her one.

“Thank you!” She said timidly as she took it. Cyril’s pulse exploded and it was suddenly too hot in the room as he slipped his hand into his pocket. He gave the ring one last squeeze before he took it out but he didn’t open his fist as he tapped it against his lips.

“If I may, I’d like to make a toast,” he said and held up his champagne. Cassie and Farris immediately sobered and gave him their attention. “To new beginnings. New friends, new traditions and hopefully, one day, a new family,” he added heavily and they all saluted and sipped.

“This is the most perfect Christmas Eve ever!” Cassie said and giggled when the bubbles tickled her nose. Cyril nodded as he held his glass out to Alon.

“Not quite. There is one more thing we need,” Cyril told them. He took a deep breath then took Farris’s hand so he could slide the ring onto his finger.

“Farris!” Cassie whispered and covered her mouth as she started to cry.

“Will you marry me?” Cyril asked. Farris nodded jerkily as he stared at his hand.

“I already...” His voice was gone and he hiccuped as tears spilled from his eyes.

“I know but I wanted to do something special with Cassie to make it official,” Cyril said.

“Yes!” Farris cried as he threw his arms around Cyril’s neck. “Yes! I love you and I’ll marry you!” He was shaking and sobbing as he held on tight and Cyril buried his face in Farris’s