Chapter 52

The front door opened and out walked a bear of a man with a huge dark beard flecked with grey.. His cheeks were rosy. If his beard was grey he could have been a stand in for Santa Clause. He smiled at them warmly and greeted everyone. Upon seeing him closer, it was clear that this was a jolly man and seeing his sharp eyes, he was one who did not miss anything. He shook Lyle’s hand and kissed Anna and Amaris’ hand as they each went to shake his. He and Marco embraced like brothers and Horis left his arm around Marco as they all walked inside.

Everyone else followed. The front room was a large open room with a cathedral ceiling. It was grand but comfortable and welcoming. There was a lofted second and third floor. The second floor railing continued to either side and into the greenhouses. The smell of earth and a sweet floral scent permeated the house.

Horis led them in through the back of the living room around an enormous fireplace. They walked into the dining room which the double s