Chapter 40

All I could do was smile. I threw my arms around him.

"Congratulations!" I said.

"Thanks but there is a little problem."

I pulled away and looked at him.

"I wanna do it right but I don't have a ring." He said.

I smiled.

"Leave it to me. I'm sure there is a jewelry store somewhere in town." I said.

"No! I don't think it's a good idea for you to go out there. Especially….."

"If Daryl finds out he will more then likely kill you and you will never get married." I said.

He nodded. I sighed. I knew I could not just depart and not tell him. He was my husband and he would never forgive me. However Anthony was like a brother to me. I could not just let this go.

"I will talk with Daryl. Worry not *fratello." I said

He smiled and nodded. I smiled and then went to find Daryl. I knew he would refuse, and yet I hoped to talk him into it. I found him near the shed.

"Daryl?"

He turned and looked at me. I took a deep breath.

"Daryl….Anthony wishes to ask Eveleen to be his wife." I said.

"Why I get the feeling there's more te this then yer saying." He said.

"He wishes to do it properly and he has not a ring. There must be a jewelry store in town and…."

"No!"

I sighed.

"I knew you would say this. Daryl we did not have a wedding because we did not wish for one like many do. Anthony does and I know Eveleen does as well. I shall have someone with me if…"

"It's gonna be me." He said.

"What?" I asked.

"I'ma go and get that ring." He said.

"Daryl I do not approve of you going alone." I said.

"Ye ain't gotta. Ye need to trust me babe." He said.

I bit my bottom lip and he kissed me gently. I knew what he was trying to do.

"Daryl…..I know….what…..oh goddess."

Alright he won. I could not refuse him and I could not argue. He pulled away and smirked.

"I'll be back before dark." He said.

He turned to go but I grabbed him and kissed him hard. When I pulled back I looked at him.

"You had better or I will come after you."

"I'ma have te chain ya to the barn then." He joked.

I smiled and gave him another kiss before he left.

"Goddess Artemis protect him." I whispered.

I walked to find Anthony and tell him the good news. On my way I saw Sophia sitting alone by the tree. I frowned and walked over to her.

"What troubles you Sophia?" I asked.

She looked up and shrugged. I sat down beside her.

"Chris doesn't know." She said.

I looked at her.

"What does he not know?"

"My mom cares about him."

My eyes widened. That was why she gave him blood. She cared about Chris.

"Sophia…..how do you know?" I asked.

She looked at me.

"She's always watching him. Making sure he's okay and that he's eaten." She said.

It all made sense now. Why she gave him her blood, why she watched out for him. She cared about what happened to him. Could she maybe love him?

"Sophia where is your mother?" I asked.

She smiled and took my hand. She led me to the house where Carol, Lori, and Patricia were. Before I went in I looked at Sophia.

"After I lead your mother outside I want you to go and get Chris."

She nodded and I went into the room.

"Hey Carol…..may I speak with you?" I asked.

She nodded and I led her away into the yard. I saw Sophia running off to find Chris. I looked back at Carol.

"Carol…why did you give Chris blood that night? We both know he would have died if you had not. But I know it is not because he is my brother or because he is a living man." I said.

She looked away where Chris was chasing Sophia and playing with her. She smiled a little.

"He's much younger…."

"Carol he's 30 years old. You can be no more then what 40?" I asked.

"42."

"It matters not! Daryl is 33 and I myself am only 27 years of age. Well actually 28 as of two days ago, but that also does not matter. You are both adults and can choose your own paths. Perhaps yours are one." I said.

She looked up at me and then I walked off as Chris approached her. Sophia caught up with me. We stood in the distance and watched them. I could see them talking and then Chris pulled Carol into his arms. I smiled and put my hands on Sophia's shoulders. She looked up and smiled at me and I smiled right back.

"Go on." I whispered.

She ran forward and hugged both Chris and her mother. Chris looked over at me and I winked and then walked away. It was time I called Brandon on that other favor.

"Oh my dear Brandon!"

"I DIDN'T DO IT!"

I started to laugh.

*Brother