village!” JerRic was surprised.
I wasn't sure what the big deal was. It looked like one decade in one village and a few decades forward in the other. A train whistle blew.
“Come check this out.” Zane marched off.
JerRic was quick to keep up with him. It was as if someone had flipped on a competitive switch. He was usually the first to take charge among his cousins, but with his older brother, it was another story. Zamfira sent me a knowing smile.
Zane opened the door and pushed JerRic back with one hand. He flashed a smile at Zamfira. She chuckled softly as she entered.
“Is JerRic using any manners at all with you?” Zane glared at his brother.
“YES!” JerRic's tone was defensive.
I couldn't help laughing. “He's alright.”
“SEE!” JerRic frowned at Zane.
“Just checking. I'm sure Z can make a gallows or something if we need to scare the fear of God into him.” Zane smiled at his wife.
“Zane is joking.” Zamfira laughed.
Zane put two fingers in the shape of a V at his eyes to JerRic's. My husband rolled his eyes and reached for my hand. I gave it a soft squeeze. The tension lifted slightly.
“We'll eat in a minute. I want to show you this first. It's pretty cool.” Zane spoke over his shoulder. “This is the clock tower.” He opened his arms and spun around.
“Zamfira, this is impressive.” JerRic turned to his sister-in-law.
“Thank you.” Zamfira blushed slightly.
I felt like I was missing something. They acted like she was responsible, but I was under the impression that the village of Angeline was just here and Storytellers came to visit for the Quest. My attention flew to JerRic, waiting for an explanation.
“The beautiful Zamfira created the Quest that we're on.” JerRic smiled.
“I wanted everyone to find their happily ever after.” Zamfira blushed.
“Good thing too.” Zane wrapped his arms around her. “Or I would have been miserable forever.” He kissed her temple.
Zamfira giggled. “Zane!”
“They have a little bit of an age difference.” JerRic chuckled.
“Just a little.” Zane's eyes were full of love when they fell on his wife.
“I created both villages. I was missing my true love, so I added a part to the Quest.” She reached for Zane's hand. “Zane finished the Quest by himself and found me.”
“And I made the best decision of my life and married her.” Zane's voice was still full of love and respect.
“Enough of that. Why did you bring us here?” JerRic interrupted.
“There is a freebie.” Zane pointed to the inner workings of the clock. “Z calls it the Bronze Clock. It's the 6th Part of the Quest.” Zane's tone was proud.
“What happened to four? Isn't that what it was before?” JerRic's eyes were wide.
“Was, being past tense.” Zane sent the jab. He seemed to enjoy JerRic's discomfort.
“Zane, you're giving him hints.” Zamfira whispered.
“He'll need them.” Zane chuckled.
“Thanks.” JerRic rolled his eyes.
The both of us made our way to the ticking clock. I loved the gears moving in a unique pattern. Each gear had a different hue. A bronze clock was wedged in the workings about my height. My husband's hand touched it and it fell into his hand. The room lit up a bronze color.
I heard clapping behind me. Zane's hands stopped moving when we turned around. My husband rolled his eyes. I had a hard time not laughing.
“Food?” Zane offered.
“Yeah.” JerRic grinned.
The four of us made our way towards the exit.
“Z has a cool restaurant on main street.” Zane opened the door for us to walk out. “It's called the Vanilla Bean & Stalk.” He grinned.
“They have the best cheesecake.” Zamfira nodded.
JerRic took Zane's place and held the door open for me as we exited into the sunshine.
“Thanks.” I smiled.
“I got you.” JerRic flashed me his handsome smile.
My smile widened. We entered the Vanilla Bean & Stalk. It was nice. There were lace table cloths. The restaurant looked as if it belonged in another era, but it was lovely.
“Needed a good place for date night?” JerRic helped me sit in my chair. It was out of character for him, but I said nothing. I didn't want to give him away in front of his brother.
“Yeah.” Zane nodded.
“It works.” JerRic's eyes scanned the room.
“We think so.” Zane's eyes fell on his wife.
“Does that mean Z's giving us a cheat sheet to the Quest?” JerRic sat down and leaned forward.
“I guess I don't mind.” Zamfira shrugged.
“Oh, Jer wouldn't like that.” Zane shook his head in a big brother way.
“Zane, leave poor JerRic alone.” Zamfira chuckled. “We can give them a tour.”
“You're only offering, because you like show and tell.” Zane put his arm around Zamfira's chair, much like JerRic had done to me hundreds of times.
JerRic put his fist out to Zamfira. She bumped it, and smiled. JerRic leaned back in his chair.
“You're my favorite sister-n-law.” He smiled.
“Please tell me you're not falling for that again.” Zane shook his head.
“I'm sure he means it.” Zamfira patted her husband's hand.
Zane chuckled.