9. Syssi

9

SYSSI

T he late morning sun warmed Syssi's back as she watched Allegra wet the sand with water from her bottle, carefully shaping it into what was meant to be a castle. Beside her, Evie seemed content to simply dig with her little shovel, occasionally showing her findings to Allegra with excited babbles.

During the weekends, the playground was Syssi's favorite spot for Allegra to play with her cousins and for her to catch up with Andrew and Nathalie, Eva and Bhathian, and have a chat with some of the Kra-ell, who brought their kids to the playground as well. Today, though, Darius's absence was a reminder of what had almost happened last evening, and it made her feel anxious all over again.

Amanda, on the other hand, seemed unaffected, her attention drifting from time to time to the village green, where Guardians were arranging tables and chairs for tomorrow's wedding according to the diagram she'd given them.

"I love this," Amanda said, her eyes sparkling as she watched the preparations. "The excitement in the air before an event. And this weekend, we get two. I just hope it doesn't rain tomorrow because I didn't order a tent." She smiled at Syssi. "I'm crossing my fingers that we won't have to dance in the rain."

Perhaps that was why Amanda didn't seem to be dwelling on the barely averted tragedy. She was focusing on reasons to celebrate instead.

Rob's induction ceremony was happening tonight at the gym, and Peter and Marina were getting married tomorrow on the village green.

"Speaking of celebrations," Syssi said. "Kian barely agreed to have a family get-together for his birthday, and I didn't argue with him since no one celebrates their birthdays in the village. But he is all in for a big party for Allegra because her first birthday is a milestone."

Amanda's face lit up. "I've been thinking about that. It needs to be a grand celebration. We should even invite Sari and David and anyone else from Scotland who wants to attend. And since it's going to be such a big event, you should probably start preparing Allegra for all the attention."

Syssi shifted on the bench. "I'm not sure about making it so elaborate. If we throw a big party for Allegra, it sets a precedent. Other parents might feel pressured to do the same for their children."

"Exactly!" Amanda's grin was triumphant. "That's precisely the point. First birthdays should be grand celebrations. After that, they can be more modest affairs. With how few children we are having, each one is a miracle and should be regarded as such."

"Mama!" Allegra patted the top of her sandcastle. "Look!"

"That's amazing, sweetheart," Syssi called back, then lowered her voice. "Andrew and Nathalie didn't have a big party for Phoenix. It was just the close family, very intimate. If we do something elaborate for Allegra, my brother might feel guilty for not throwing a great party for his daughter."

Amanda rolled her eyes. "One has nothing to do with the other. But if you're worried, talk to Andrew. Check with him to see if it would bother him."

"He'd never admit it if it did."

"Then if he says go ahead, you have your permission." Amanda shrugged, then reached out to steady Evie, who had tried to stand in the sandbox. "Careful, baby."

Syssi watched her daughter pat more wet sand onto her castle. Allegra was so focused and determined to succeed, her little face scrunched in concentration, reminding Syssi of Kian when he was working .

"Besides," Amanda continued, her expression growing more serious, "as Kian likes to say, we should embrace every opportunity for celebration, and the bigger the better—meaning including the most people."

"He does say that a lot," Syssi admitted.

"And he's right." Amanda pulled out a tissue to wipe sand from Evie's face. "The world is full of sorrows, but we need to stay positive and celebrate our triumphs, big and small. To us, every child is a victory. You know that."

Syssi considered this as she watched the girls play. Allegra had abandoned her castle-building efforts and was now showing Evie how to make handprints in the wet sand.

"You're thinking too hard," Amanda said softly. "You always do that, trying to consider every possible ramification of every decision. Sometimes a party is just a party, Syssi."

She laughed. "Not in this village. In our community, everything sets precedents and becomes tradition."

"And that's beautiful." Amanda spread her arms. "Immortals live so long that we've stopped celebrating birthdays. I need to concentrate to remember my own. I don't think it's a good thing. It belittles the incredible gift of immortality." She leaned closer to Syssi. "We should know better than to take for granted what the Fates give us. They want to be appreciated. "

"I agree." Syssi wrapped her arm around her sister-in-law's middle. "Big party it is."

A squeal of laughter drew their attention back to the sandbox. Evie had put her sand-covered hands on her head, and Allegra was trying to help clean her cousin off, but she was mostly just spreading the mess around.

"Oh dear," Syssi said, reaching for the baby wipes in her bag. "I think someone needs a bath."

"Two someones," Amanda agreed, watching as Allegra also became covered in sand through her helpful efforts. "But look how happy they are."

Syssi had to smile at the pure joy on the girls' faces. "I love seeing them together." She glanced in the direction of the café. "Kian is supposed to come over here when he finishes his meeting with Eleanor and Emmett. I want him to see the girls like this."

Amanda tilted her head. "Do you know what the meeting is about?"

Syssi shrugged. "They are here for the weekend to attend Peter's wedding, so I assume they thought it was a good opportunity for a face-to-face meeting with Kian. Probably something to do with the management of Safe Haven."