Al teased me after dinner. "It looks like you are interested in the older brother, but the younger brother is interested in you. Is this what Katie calls a love triangle?" He asked with air quotes around the love triangle.
Katie laughed, but tried to hold back. She had told Al all about the literature from our world over the years when she was describing her job as a librarian. She was very well read.
I rolled my eyes as I responded, "Tobin is way too young for me. He is still a little boy! There is no way that I can see him as a potential suitor."
Abby sighed, "I remember when those boys used to confess to me. Kirin was heartbroken, but he was only fifteen, and I was already in my twenties!"
"I know that you have the mentality of a mature woman, but this is a new life. You are in a younger body and should think about starting over. Maybe not with the younger brother, but Kirin has grown into a fine young man." Katie offered her sagely advice.
Abby nodded her head in agreement. "I would be happy for both of you if you could heal his broken heart. He is a good man, but I have already found the best man for me." She leaned in close to Blaise and hugged his arm. He blushed slightly, but kissed the top of her head. She giggled.
Ah, newlyweds! I thought to myself as we all watched their open display of affection. Katie and Al decided to snuggle together, which left me all alone. The kids were already asleep, so I was the only single person in the room, surrounded by lovey-dovey couples.
I changed the subject and offered a suggestion, "I had an idea about the water heating system. We can keep the water stored above the fireplace, so the fire will heat the water. It will be going most of the winter, and the water will always be hot. We just need the blacksmiths to design two knobs, one to let in cold water and one to let in hot water. They will mix in the tub for warm water."
Al looked interested and exclaimed, "That is genius! We can use the wood to heat both our homes and the water! It cuts back on the amount of wood and coal that we will need. We should go to the blacksmith shop tomorrow to tell them."
I saw the teasing look he gave me when he said the last sentence, but I ignored it. Abby and Katie knew that my idea was similar to the water tanks from Earth, but it was a good way to incorporate it into this world. They both nodded in agreement.
We stayed up playing board games for a while until we were tired. The next morning, we did our normal routine. I helped Katie get Aza ready while Al helped Adam. Once everyone was ready, we headed to the bakery for breakfast pastries.
I wondered if they ever made breakfast at home, but the pastries were too good to bring it up. I didn't want to put that idea in their head if they hadn't considered it.
Sia and Canaria greeted us. They were extra enthusiastic to show the new cherry cream cheese pastries! They were less sweet than the ones I remembered from Earth, but still very good.
After we left the bakery, Al and I took Adam to the school while Katie and Aza went to the library. We had fallen into a routine. I talked to Abby briefly when we dropped off Adam. She was busy with all the kids.
Al teased me as we headed to the blacksmith shop, "So, are you excited to see your future husband?" He reminded me of my favorite cousin on Earth. We used to tease each other all the time like siblings.
One time, when we were younger, I had an all-girls party. He wanted to come and offered to wear a dress. Later, he told everyone that I made him wear it, so my friends and I held him down and put makeup on him. He acted like he was struggling, but he secretly loved the attention.
If Al wasn't the clan leader, I might be tempted to dress him up as well. For now, I could only ignore it.
When we arrived at the blacksmith shop, Riktor was extra friendly towards us. He showed us the designs that he and Kirin had come up with. I was impressed at how much they had designed based on my descriptions. I told them about the water tank above the fireplace idea, and Riktor loved it!
Next, we discussed the hot air balloon group project. Riktor told us what Tobin had said over dinner the previous day. He was thrilled to be able to work with the whole family on a group project. "My wife wants to meet you, Alisa. Would you be free to come for dinner?" He invited me. Al gave me a teasing glint as I tried to avoid eye contact with Kirin.
Kirin had been staring at me since we came to the shop, but hadn't spoken. He was studying me like he was trying to figure me out. "I would be happy to meet your wife. I am free any day for dinner." I replied shyly.
Al clapped and announced, "She is free tonight. Katie wanted to drop the kids off with Abby and go on a date." He was excited to help set me up, but was more excited to spend some alone time with his wife.
"Perfect, we would be happy to welcome you to our home tonight. I should go let my wife know." Riktor boomed jovially. He was happy to invite this new girl to his home. She would make a perfect daughter-in-law. She was pretty, smart, and sweet. Either of his sons would be lucky to have her as a wife.
We left after a while and headed back towards the Kanta house. Al had to leave to check on another shop. He usually made his rounds, but had put it on hold for a few days to help with this new project. "Katie will be home later, but I will leave her a note. You can change and meet Riktor at the blacksmith shop. Their house is next door."
I was left alone in the house, trying to decide what to wear to dinner. I didn't have too many options, and it was colder at night. I chose the thickest dress that I had and some wool leggings to go underneath. I wanted to look cute, but I didn't want to be cold. Tonight will be interesting!