Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

No midnight snack, huh.

Chris and Orson had been cracking open pistachios for ages, chatting away, before they finally shuffled out of the kitchen with the food.

And when they did—well, let's just say expectations weren't high.

All that fuss, and what did they bring? Shoestring fries, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and some garlic-butter shrimp.

A few of the shrimp were even a little burnt.

Chris clicked his tongue. "I swear, you guys must've already eaten without us."

Rupert set his plate down. "Front door's that way. Don't let it hit you on the way out."

"Whoa, whoa, just kidding!" Chris hurried to grab a plate, then got all serious. "Sylvia, thanks for having us over."

Maybe it was just Chris being there, but Sylvia suddenly felt like the house wasn't so cold anymore.

She smiled. "Come on, dig in."

Halfway through dinner, Sylvia pulled out her phone.

"My mom says they found the person who stole her stuff. She's out of the hospital now, too. She wants me to come visit since it's almost New Year's-three days left. I've got some work to finish up there anyway."noveldrama

"What kind of work?" Chris piped up, always with the nosy questions.

"Mr. Rupert and Ms. Sanford's wedding rings are ready," Sylvia said, her tone

even.

Chris's eyes widened. He actually looked like he wanted to slap himself.

He scrambled to fix it. "Well, it makes sense Mrs. Naomi wants you home for the holidays, especially after everything that's happened. Moms just want their daughters around this time of year."

Sylvia glanced over at Rupert.

Rupert, as usual, was unreadable-like the whole 'wedding ring' thing hadn't even come up.

"I'll take you to visit the Garcia family while we're there," he said quietly.

She nodded.

And just like that, the topic of the wedding rings was gone, as if it had never been mentioned.

After dinner, Chris had to get back to the hospital, so he left.

Rupert's phone rang, and he got ready to go too.

As for who was calling-well, they all knew.

Sylvia walked him to the door, watching as he headed to his car. Just before he left, she called out.

"Mr. Rupert."

He turned, and before he could say anything, Sylvia moved in, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him—a quick, gentle brush of lips.

It was the first time Sylvia had ever kissed him like that.

He paused, a little stunned, then his eyes softened. He reached up, cupped her head, and deepened the kiss.

When it finally ended, he was a bit breathless.

"Go inside. It's freezing out here."

"Okay."

Sylvia slipped back onto the porch, watching him drive away, her eyes filled with a swirl of emotions-complicated, but certain.

Three days later-New Year's Day.

Sylvia woke to the sound of fireworks echoing through the neighborhood. She blinked, a little nervous.

The man beside her seemed to sense it and pulled her closer, wrapping her in his

arms.

She was surprised. Turning, she found Rupert, still in pajamas, looking every bit as lazy as he lounged against the pillows.

"When did you get here?" she asked, startled. Hadn't he said he wouldn't be coming?

Rupert didn't open his eyes, his voice rough with sleep. "About two hours ago. You were out cold, so I let you sleep."

"Two hours ago? That's the middle of the night." Sylvia frowned, trying to sound stern.

He finally opened his eyes, meeting her gaze.

They just looked at each other for a long moment, neither saying a word.

Finally, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. "Happy New Year, Sylvia."

Her heart fluttered, and she smiled, genuine and bright. "Happy New Year."

"There's a present for you on the vanity in the walk-in closet. I'm

a catch a little more sleep

I'll take you to see the Garcias at lunch."

"Okay."

Sylvia sat up, but didn't get out of bed right away. She watched Rupert as he

drifted back to sleep, taking in the quiet, peaceful look on his face.

Suddenly, his hand slid to the hem of her nightgown, his voice low and teasing. "Sylvia, you know, all this vegetarian stuff isn't great for your health..."

Before he could finish, a pillow smacked him square in the chest.

"Shut up."

Face flushed, Sylvia jumped out of bed.

Rupert just rolled over, a lazy grin on his lips.

After getting ready, Sylvia headed into the walk-in closet and found a brand-new dress, some sparkling jewelry, and a bright red envelope sitting on the vanity.

She picked up the envelope, running her fingers over it, and smiled softly.