There were a few seconds of pure silence, a few seconds for everyone to take it all in, study the words, understand the situation.
We're going to live in the city
Ellery's statement resonated in everyone's mind, and their reactions were soon to follow.
The twins were the first to break the silence. They were delighted at the idea, which was like a dream come true for them. They jumped and clapped, they took turns to hug their parents, asking again and again if it was true, if it was really happening. Their joy could not be contained, even when Vernon cut their cheers short by yelling and protesting, They couldn't care less. In fact, they just ignored him, turned to face each other and continued with their celebrations and planning.
Laurent, on the other hand, was in a bit of a pickle. Although he had wanted to share the news with everyone, together with Dahlia, she had asked him to keep it hidden until she could talk to her folks about it. And he had, against his better judgment and blunt nature, for as long as he could, up to this very moment. He knew the time of waiting was over, the secret was to be revealed sooner rather than later. Nonetheless, he was hesitant, not only because his fiancée had instructed him not to tell -and she was a scary lady, not the kind you want to cross- but also because he truly wanted to give her the time she wanted -and needed- with herself and her family. She had a lot to figure out, same as he, and quite frankly, he wished she was there with him. Just having her by his side would make things go a lot easier since she always had a better handle on these particular situations than him.
He raised his head to look at everyone and took a deep breath, ready as can be to spill the tea and get it over with. He tried to stand up and barely opened his mouth to speak "I have to--" when Nairn yanked him back to his seat.
"Not yet," he whispered, " just wait for a bit before you say anything, they still haven't explained everything."
Does he know about Dahlia's ... "How ...?" Laurent wondered.
"Nina told me."
"What?"
"He was there when you and Dahlia --"
"I know he was there, but seriously?"
"You asked her to move in with you so you can take care of her during her pregnancy."
"I knew he was spying! That Sneaky little cat."
"You're quite the romantic, aren't you, big brother?"
There was a slight blush on his cheeks for a second before he regained his composure and just shrugged at the comment.
"Why did you stop me?" He asked.
"Just wait for the right moment to speak."
Laurent gave him a quizzed look.
"Trust me, you'll know what I mean soon enough. Besides, do you really want to interrupt Vera over there?"
They both turned to look at Vernon, expecting him to be rambling about their parents' lacking sense of responsibility and their poor decision-making skills. Their blood ran cold and their smile faded instantly when they realized he was staring at them, with a 'don't fucking call me that' expression on his face.
"Shit, he heard me." Said Nairn.
"Definitely heard you." Confirmed Laurent.
The couple was thankful for whatever little distraction swayed Vernon and directed his attention to his brothers, trying to give them the ' threatening eye'. It was their chance to speak about their plan fully, and they had to jump at this window of opportunity before it closes.
"Uncle is buying Dillon's share of land. We'll be done with the paperwork in few days and we'll use the money as down payment for the building." Said Ellery.
"What about the rest of the money? What about the farm, the workers? What about my job?" Asked Vernon.
Dillon assured everyone they are not giving away the farm, nor sending away the workers. On the contrary, they actually intended to offer permanent residence for whoever worker wanted it.
Since Henry has been talking about expending for a while, they planned on talking to him about acquiring a piece of the farm, maybe the empty field right on his borders. It was mostly used for the animals to eat and roam around freely.
Vernon could stay, do his freelance mechanic work and keep an eye on the farm and productivity.
"And when, or if you so wish, you could perhaps join us later on? When we're all settled well in the new house and the new business." Said El.
'This must be what Nairn meant earlier' Laurent thought, just before his little brother nudged him with his elbow, signaling him to speak.
"I can't go," Said Laurent.
"Sweetie, if it's because of your girlfriend Dahlia, you can visit often and--".
El tried to reason with him but he cut her off and just blurted out the issue.
"Guys, I can't. She ... she's pregnant. I'm staying".
Before anyone could get a word out - not that anyone was going to anyway, they were all speechless - the three puppies sprinted across the room and straight to the door where scratching and barking could be heard.
"It's Hermes," Said Nairn, following them.
The dogs jumped at their father as soon as the door was open, giving him a warm welcome, and he was just as happy to see them, and Nairn. It wasn't a simple family visit though. Hermes carried a message from Daniel, Henry's daughter and Nairn's only friend. He left the pups to play and went back to the dining room, to warn everyone immediately.
"You can't both stay," said Dillon, teary-eyed, "our family is being torn apart, what have we done?"
"Cut the drama, grandpa. It was bound to happen, eventually." Responded Vernon.
"What?"
"It's not like we planned to stick around forever."
"You weren't?" His father asked, with a disappointed look on his face.
"Are you for real, old man?"
As much as he would've enjoyed watching them a bit longer, for both his entertainment and his mother's, who was chuckling and patting her husband on the shoulder, he had to deliver the message without delay.
"Guys, sorry to interrupt but ... Henry knows. He's on his way here, with Dahlia and everyone".
Laurent's eyes widened, his whole body flinched and jerked him up from his chair. He then turned to Nairn and nervously asked, "let me guess, Hermes told you?"
Nairn nodded.
El and Dil looked at each other and muttered, in perfect sync :
"Oh Boy!"
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