The Complete Where Dreams - Volume 2 of 2

Chapter 20-3

Ascension had lived up to all of the hype created by the yarn-bombing and other advertising efforts. Bill told her that Seattle audiences were notorious for not giving standing ovations and had never demanded an encore in the four years he’d been at Emerald City Opera. Ascension would be headed straight into the majestic heights of major opera house repertoire, an unprecedented opening. No one was even worrying about the reviews. Well, not much.

She let the others go ahead to the restaurant while she rushed backstage. With Jerimy’s assistance, she’d helped Tamara and Jaspar into their matching outfits from the bag she’d delivered earlier. These were the idea she’d had when she’d made the other dresses for her friends. The children were now attired to be the shining stars of the emotional progression she’d made with the five dresses and with the opera itself.

Tamara’s dress was easily recognizable as the Empress-to-be, but shifted in two ways: into high fashion and unbridled joy. It wouldn’t be appropriate for any lesser party, but it would be a smash hit tonight.

Jaspar’s suit combined the fulfillment of the Young Prince’s eternal promise with the Overlord’s majestic power. She’d designed the sling right into it, in a way that turned the “accident” of both the sailboat and the supposed sword accident, into a representation of the small cost of his ultimate triumph.

Jaspar had declared it “Most excellent!”

Perrin had to agree.

By the time they were ready, Bill had arrived, changed into an elegant charcoal suit for the party. Hand in hand, the four of them walked through the warm May evening for the couple blocks to Angelo’s new restaurant.

Perrin felt as if she was floating on air, Bill with Tamara on one arm and her on the other, and Jaspar holding her down to the earth with his good hand in hers.

Forewarned, Russell had been waiting at the entrance with his camera. No matter what else happened, Perrin knew that whatever her past might be, she would have photographic proof of just how much joy was possible.