Chapter 29

- Come on, come on. Where's Portia? - James asked, looking at his mother. She looked at him wearily.

- She's with Luna. Can't you hear me? - she answered and went into her son's house.

-It's getting late, I have to pick up Iris and it's a long way to the castle. -He said as he followed his mother. When he entered, he sat down on the sofa.

-Calm down a little, there is still a long way to go before the ceremony begins. - she answered, trying to calm her son down.

He was hysterical. The house was in complete disarray. Rose was not there, her mother had woken up at some crazy time in the morning and then had spent an enormous amount of hours getting ready.

-What's taking so long? -he asked wearily.

His mother snorted.

-Go get Iris and then come back for us.

James looked at her for a few seconds.

- Okay, but can you please be ready for me when I get there?

Clare, his mother, watched him walk away as he left the house. Her son was more nervous than usual.

He had recently confessed to her how involved he was with Luna, which she found surprising. After Sarah's death, she had seen him in complete darkness. She knew James was a strong person, but seeing him that way with Portia had broken her heart. Therefore, she knew she wouldn't risk it unless she was certain that her affection was reciprocated.

So, there they were. Mitchell Yorke's birthday was celebrated exorbitantly every year. She knew her uncle spared no expense when it came to birthdays but when the invitation arrived at his office she was surprised to read the words "castle" and "birthday" in the same sentence. No doubt he was a special guy.

Mitchell had been the only one who knew about James's moves, as he was just as much of a con man as he was. He had helped him several times and had also taught him how to get out of several sticky situations unscathed.

Today, he was retired and enjoyed a quiet life in a house on the outskirts of the city. He also enjoyed his birthdays.

The trip to Iris's house had been shorter than he remembered. She hadn't seen her sister for a few months as they didn't hit it off very well.

When she arrived, she knocked on the door twice. Within seconds, a man a little taller than he was opened the door. He spoke.

- James, how are you doing?

He nodded his head.

- How are you, Paul? Is Iris ready?

- Yeah, she's coming down. You know how it is. - she counted. James laughed knowing his sister and spoke.

- If I'd thought it over I would have had to come down in a couple more hours.

- Yeah. - he laughed. - I'd have to try the method.

Paul ushered him in. James walked into the living room and settled himself on the single sofa in front of the coffee table.

He was distracted for a few seconds looking at the pictures hanging on the wall when he heard that shrill voice.

-James! - Iris shouted as she came down the stairs. James stood up quickly and hugged his sister instantly.

-How are you?" he asked looking at her. She smiled.

-I'm fine. Come on, mom must be crazy," she answered quickly and took her brother's hand. She dragged him to the door.

- Paul, goodbye. - she waved goodbye as she walked out. The man waved to him from the corridor.

It didn't take him long to notice how excited Iris was, but it was completely normal behavior for her. She was explosive and in her childhood she had been the light of the house, for James was resplendent by her absence.

Once in the car, Iris turned to him. He seemed to have something stuck in his throat.

- What's the matter?

An awkward silence filled the car but it wasn't long before her sister spoke.

- I'm pregnant. - she said. James looked at her frozen.

- What?

- I thought you should know.

- I...uh, of course I should know. I'm your brother, Iris. - she complained offended.

She denied.

- It's just, I know you don't like Paul. Is that the reason you haven't called me?

- No, of course not.

- Well, is it?

- I don't know, the last time we saw each other, we argued. I thought you'd rather avoid me for a while.

- I did. - he admitted. - But I couldn't stay away any longer.

He looked at her with regret.

- I'm sorry. I should have come closer.

- It's all right," he smiled. - he smiled. - Now you better be there to be the great guy I know you can be.

He smiled.