She finally managed to work the curling iron without getting burned and finished with her hair in an hour. She quickly changed into the dress Sean had bought for her and found it very flattering and comfortable for her figure. Her hair fell in dark layered curls beneath her shoulders, and she added a touch of gloss to her lips and a scent of perfume she had found in her drawer to her neck. Slipping into the sandals, she slowly came down the stairs and into the kitchen where Sean was cooking up a feast for dinner. He looked rather handsome as well dressed in dark khaki pants, a white short sleeved button-up shirt, and his golden hair wet from his shower. A towel was slung over his shoulder as he cleaned up his mess from the kitchen. She walked in and dropped her arms to her sides.
"Well, what do you think?" she asked startling him.
Sean turned around quickly and instantly gaped. She grinned even more and blushed with embarrassment. A curve spread over his lips, and he approached her quickly drawing her into his arms. She placed her hands against his chest before he could do anything.
"I asked you a question."
"And I was about to give you an answer," he explained hovering over her lips.
"Your mother will be here soon."
"Not soon," he told her hearing the garage door open. "Quickly..um hide in the family room. Quickly go!"
Lira hurried into the other room and ducked behind the bookshelf just as the garage door swung open. Sean was right about his mother being beautiful. She was average height with flaxen gold hair, dark brown eyes, and a pretty china face. Mrs. O'Connor smiled at Sean, and Lira guessed she was used to him making dinner for her. Sean kissed his mother's cheeks while stirring the Alfredo sauce.
"What's for dinner tonight?" she asked.
"Chicken Parmesian with noodles and Alfredo sauce. Then chocolate mousse and strawberries for dessert."
"Why do you have three plates out?" she asked noting the special china set out as well.
He stopped stirring and turned the stove off. "Mother," he placed his hands on her shoulders. "I have something very important to tell you."
"Sean, is someone special coming tonight?" she asked.
"Not coming. Already here," he answered. "Come on out, Lira."
Lira stepped out from behind the bookshelf, and Mrs. O'Connor let out a small gasp as Lira approached. "Mother," he took Lira gently by the hand. "This is Lira. The best most wonderful girl in the entire universe."
"Sean has told me much about you. I am honored to meet you," Lira smiled.
"Well, Sean, this is indeed a surprise," Mrs. O'Connor answered. "But I don't think you could have picked a prettier or more pleasant girl than her."
"Yes, I know. And I'm going to marry her someday too," he grinned but continued before either of them could speak. "Food's ready if you want to sit down."
Lira and Mrs. O'Connor sat down at the table across from each other, and Sean came over. He carefully dropped a piece of chicken on each plate and drizzled it with white sauce as well as the noodles. Lira watched him as he put it together so perfectly. The family said a short prayer and began to eat.
"So where did you find this little boy of mine, Lira?" Mrs. O'Connor asked.
"Well, actually he found me," she smiled.
"Now, Lira, what kind of a name is that?" she asked.
"You can call me Lia for short if you wish. Most people think it's an odd name."
"Odd but beautiful. I am certain Sean found you in the woods. That has to be it. He was painting in the woods and came across you. Did he paint you as well?"
Lira giggled. "He hasn't done that yet. But Sean is a very skilled artist."
A slight blush rose to his cheeks, and he ate another piece of chicken. "I'm alright, I guess."
"I saw the picture you did of the ocean day. It was beautiful!" replied Lira.
"Mother, would you mind if I took her to the ocean tonight?" he asked. "You know to see the stars?"
"No, I don't mind. Just as long as you're back by ten," she turned to Lira again. "Sean's home is practically the ocean. He goes there every day. Do you like the ocean?"
"I love it especially the creatures in it," answered Lira.
"How old are you?"
Lira smiled not minding the fact that Mrs. O'Connor was asking many questions. It was a normal protective thing for a mother to do, and she imagined Sean would be having a discussion with her that night.
"I am eighteen the same age as Sean."
"Do you live around here?"
"No, I am just visiting."
Sean looked up at her, but his mother continued. "Where are you from then?"
"Pretty far."
"Do you intend on returning?"
"I believe so, but not for quite some time."
"Where do your parents live?"
Sean coughed slightly interrupting. "Um, Mother, Lira lost both of her parents."
Mrs. O'Connor covered her mouth and then took Lira's hand gently. "I am so sorry. Sean knows what it is like to lose a parent. I lost my mother when I was very young as well. It is a difficult thing to go through not having anyone to catch you anymore. It is like being cut loose from something wonderful."
Lira nodded and finished her meal silently. She was glad Mrs. O'Connor asked no more questions. When Sean brought the strawberries and mousse out, Lira instantly grinned when trying one.
"I don't think anything can match this," she answered trying the mousse. "It is like sweet light air!"
Mrs. O'Connor smiled. "Interesting analogy. It was my grandmother's recipe. Sean makes it better than I do though."
He rolled his eyes. "You always say I'm a better cook than you, but don't forget who taught me."
"Yes, I supposed I did teach you to cook."
"You taught me many things, Mother."
"You two better hurry if you want to see the sunset."
"Thank you, Mother," Sean stood up and kissed her cheek. Just as Lira began to stand, he suddenly raised his voice shocking them both. "Don't you dare get out of that chair!"She looked confused but then smiled as he came behind the chair and pulled it out for her taking her hand. Mrs. O'Connor laughed. "That is my Prince for you."
"It was nice to meet you, Mrs. O'Connor," Lira smiled sweetly as Sean placed a matching white cloak over Lira's shoulders.
"And you," Mrs. O'Connor smiled back.
Sean took Lira's hand and led her out to the door, which he opened as well. They stepped out into his neighborhood, and he pointed to the west saying that the ocean was a couple blocks away. They walked quickly and silently until they came to the dock, which led out onto the beach. Lira kicked off her sandals and let her feet dig into the cool sand. The sun was setting just beneath the horizon line, and Sean could see the faint specks of starlight appearing. Suddenly, Lira took off running toward the waterline, and Sean ran after her wondering what she was doing. Then he saw her picking up a beautiful colored shell. She held it up, and he took it.
"It's a Conch shell. Very pretty one too like your eyes," he noted the violet and silver streaks upon it.
"Can I keep it?" she asked.
"Of course," he wrapped an arm around her waist.
She sighed and looked at the sunset. "This is so beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here."
"Anytime," he murmured into her ear and caught her fragrance of blue mist hovering upon her neck.
She admired the colors of the horizon; bright reds, oranges, and pinks hovering near the line dimming into dark violets and blues. Sean was far too engrossed in watching Lira he hardly noticed the sunset.
"Lia," he murmured again and touched her hair softly moving a curl behind her ear.
"Hmm?" she turned her face to him and nearly bumped noses.
He trailed a soft finger against her cheek and looked into her violet blue eyes. "I can't think of a more wonderful time than sharing this moment with you forever."
"Forever's a long time," she told him as he drew near to her. "Sean, are you going to kiss me?"
"I might be considering it," he grinned and hovered his lips over hers wondering how adventurous she was.
Lira met his smile back, and he finally crushed his mouth over hers. Lira felt a wave of familiarity sweep through her as he kissed her. It felt like this moment was perfect, and they had done this all their lives. Sean finally stopped and brushed his knuckles across her cheek.
"We really should be going back," she told him.
"Wait," he motioned to the sky. "Look, they are beginning to come out."
She looked at the stars and thought the rising glowing moon looked beautiful and luminous as well. Sean suddenly pointed to a star.
"I'm making a wish on that one."
"What could you wish for that you haven't got?" she asked.
"I wish to live forever with you right by my side."
She smiled. "Do wishes ever really come true?"
"Only if you truly believe in them," he replied. "Well then, I'll make a wish on that star," she pointed. "And I wish that I can be rid of my dragon form forever. I know it is a great opportunity but a responsibility I do not want. And many in Middle Earth will curse me as a dragon." "No curse has power over you, Lira. Love is greater than any curse. Remember that."