The Disappearance of Emily: Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series Book 2 by Elizabeth Pantley (best books to read in your 20s TXT) 📕

everyone. This family was new to me, yet I felt a connection with them. And since I’d been to several events in this yard, it was becoming more comfortable for me to be here. One of these days, and I hoped it was soon, I’d bring Nana and Gran to one of these events. Oh, my! They would have an absolute blast.

I spotted my half-sister Indigo. I felt a rush of warmth at the sight of her. I was still reeling from the news that I had two previously hidden sisters. They were so kind, and they embraced our relationship with joyful enthusiasm. They were a blessing. And even more, I enjoyed their company.

Indigo and her husband Omar were standing with another tall, Black man who looked so much like Omar I had to guess that they were related. Their little son, Ian, was sitting in the grass next to them, playing with a girl who I assumed was the man’s daughter. I went over and joined their group.

“Hi, Hayden! Great to see you,” Indigo called as I walked up.

She immediately drew me into a big hug. Ian’s tiny arms wrapped around my leg. It always brought me great joy when he did that. I had never been around that many kids in my life, so I never knew what to expect. He was a little charmer with his wide smile and his affectionate embraces.

“Hello, Hayden,” said Omar. “I’d like you to meet my brother, Dante.”

I shook hands with Omar’s look-alike brother. Then Dante introduced me to his daughter, Tiana. She seemed to be a little older than Ian, who was nearly five. I crouched down to the kid’s level and said hello to Tiana.

“Your braids are so pretty! The beads look like they match the party decorations.”

“Thank you,” she said, ducking her head shyly. But I could see she was wearing a big grin.

“What are you creating?” I asked the kids. “I used to braid flowers. It’s fun, isn’t it?”

For the next few minutes, they showed me their creations; they were braiding flower stems into long chains. I hoped that Grandmother wouldn’t be upset about the kids pulling flowers out of her perfect garden. I said as much, and the other adults laughed.

“Oh, you’ll see,” said Indigo. “She’s fine with the children being creative.”

I stood up and visited with the adults for a bit. Soon, my other sister Sapphire joined us. There was more hugging, more warm sisterly feelings, and more laughter.

Sapphire was a delightful and surprising sister. She was kind and polite in an almost Southern-girl style, and she dressed the part in floral dresses and sun hats. Interestingly, she was a computer tech specialist, and she had a mind like a steel trap. Sadly, her last boyfriend had been a disaster, and I hoped she’d soon find someone who really appreciated her. She deserved that.

As we chatted, Grandmother approached the group. I was momentarily speechless to see her perfectly-styled ensemble decorated by two flower-chain necklaces. So, apparently, the kiddos were safe picking flowers.

I felt a rush of warmth toward her. Eleanor had always frightened me a bit, and it took her weeks to thaw. But now I was seeing the kind woman who hid behind the rigid exterior. And like many women, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren seemed to bring out her soft side. (Well, and her Persian cat, Chanel.) It was lovely to see the caring woman that she hid from the world.

I heard a ruckus from the other side of the yard. I looked over to see Axel goofing around with our youngest sibling, Cobalt, a university student often home for weekend family events. They were laughing loudly about something. Our father, Leonard, and our grandfather, Phillip, were looking puzzled. Clearly, they didn’t get the joke. That seemed to make the guys laugh until they snorted. Typical for Cobalt, but unlike the often too-serious Axel. I learned that my brothers had a tight bond and a relaxed relationship. Cobalt brought out the youthfulness in Axel.

Since everyone had arrived, Grandmother asked us to break up into teams for the game. Croquet is fun in theory, but in reality, it’s a super boring game. You use the mallet to tap the ball around the yard through wire arched wickets (or in this case playing cards) until you tap a stake at the end. I have no idea how you count points, but maybe the first person to the end stake wins. I’m just guessing.

I was having a blast taking in the party décor, watching the family interact, and pretending to enjoy the croquet. Little did I know that the best was yet to come.

Cleobella, my grandmother’s all-round assistant, came out of the house pushing a large cart of food. Two caterers were behind her, pushing their own carts.

True to form, Cleobella was dressed for the occasion. In a party catalog, her attire would be labeled ‘sexy Queen of Hearts costume.’ Her short dress was black, white, and red. It had a laced-up bodice and a black tutu, which was covered with red, glittering hearts. Her legs were clad in over-the-knee black socks with bright red bows above the knees. Her shoes were shiny black platform pumps. Her hair was curled into a wild halo of ringlets, and she was wearing a jaunty black, sparkly top hat. As usual, I could see her super-long eyelashes from across the yard. She was an eccentric sight to behold. But, as usual, I seemed to be the only person who thought so.

The two caterers coming up behind her looked uncomfortable, but dutiful, dressed as white rabbits. They were wearing large clock necklaces that would make Flavor Flav proud.

The food continued the Alice in Wonderland theme. Bright pink and blue multi-tiered trays were filled with finger sandwiches. Platters held mini tarts and scones. There were beautifully arranged platters of fruits and vegetables. Whimsically decorated cupcakes finished up the offerings. Between the food carts and Cleobella, it was a feast