“But he’s a human. He’s going to-” Sallie whimpered.
“Stop saying that!” Amanda hit the table. “I know! Don’t you think I know?”
“Amanda.” Dew jumped to his feet in defense of his wife. “Stop talking like that to Sallie.” Amanda glared at Dew, usually a look that would make him back down instantly. He didn’t. “That’s rude and uncalled for. She is happy for you. I’m happy for you. She’s worried about what happens when Dunc DIES. He will die before you do. He’ll die before we all do. We all know it. Look at yourself. You’re a mess when he’s not around as it is. That is all Sallie is trying to do. Save you from being an even worse disaster after you have him for 30 or 40 years, and then he dies. We know how you are. When you give your heart, you give it all. It’s not a bad thing, Amanda.”
Amanda’s mouth dropped open as Dew spoke. “Then why is it worth it to be in love at all?” She whispered, turning away from the conversation. “We have no guarantees at how long we live.”
“That’s not what I’m saying.” Dew frowned. “Of course, it’s worth it! What I’m saying is that when you are hurt, you hurt more than everyone else. Because you’re the kind of person who gives and gives until you have nothing left, then people like Joseph take and take and never give anything back, leaving you with nothing. Just because you put up a wall doesn’t mean anything about you changed behind it. Dunc is a nice guy. You want to give him your life, but he’s also a human who is giving you his life, however short it may be. You are going to outlive him. That’s a fact. It’s also a fact that you love him, and if you love him, then you can love someone else.”
“Only him.” Amanda sighed. “I can only love him. You two need to get over the fact he’s a human. I am going to end up marrying him.” Then she motioned to Dew. “And you of all people should not be telling me I shouldn’t marry someone because he’s not Arcadian.” Dew winced. “You remember how mad our father was when he found out, but he still blessed your union and allowed it to happen. I stood up for you. The least you can do is stand up for me.” Amanda looked from Dew to Sallie. Her little sister was still troubled, and tears were streaming down her face. “I’m sorry, Sallie, but stay out of my relationship. I love Dunc.”
***
Dunc had a problem. The moment he left Amanda’s house, he could only think about Sallie and making sure she was taken care of. Her condition immediately brought up a need in him to make sure she had plenty of food. It was common for all Lycans to make sure everyone was taken care of in the community. Nobody wanted anything. At the same time, he did not want to insult Amanda.
“Mom!” Dunc went looking for her. He used his most pleasant voice. “Do we have something we can cook tonight for our neighbors? Also, I have something to tell you that you’re going to like. You’re going have to make me a promise!”
***
The point of dinner was leftovers that Dunc would make sure went over to the Waters’ house. Sallie had a healthy appetite before, and Dunc assumed she would now. He wasn’t mistaken. Sallie devoured her honey ginger roast chicken and went back for seconds. There were also herb roasted potatoes and steamed garden vegetables to go with the chicken. Amanda and Dew ate as well, but not as much as Sallie did.
“Eat, eat.” Dunc’s mother focused on Sallie with a massive grin on her face. She brought around another bowl full of honey ginger carrots. All these things would be healthy for Sallie. Hannah had also made sweet potato pies for dessert.
Dunc sat next to Amanda. He narrowed his eyes at the bowl of honey that his mother had sat in front of her. His mother was not going to quit. He had told her he had a little secret to tell her. The stipulation was that Hannah would stop talking to Amanda about their relationship. She would stop trying to push for things they weren’t ready for. She had promised, but there was that jar of honey, and she had smiled at Dunc as she slid it in front of Amanda. His mother had often said that honey was a potent aphrodisiac and good for everything. There were little hearts all over the jar.
Amanda took the drizzler and put more honey all over her carrots. Dunc swore under his breath and stuffed chicken into his mouth. “This is all so good.” She smiled at Dunc, and he couldn’t help but smile back. Everything seemed to be better among them. Sallie was her usual smiling self. Amanda wasn’t glaring at her. Dew was making jokes and being way too sweet to his wife. Dunc watched them. Before Amanda, he had seen couples being all cute like that and rolled his eyes. Sometimes he had even made snide remarks. Now he realized he was very likely to do the same little affectionate things like asking if she needed more tea.
“Do you need more tea?” Dunc smiled, reaching for Amanda’s empty glass along with his own.
“Sure!” Amanda smiled.
***
Following dinner, everyone went out into the McCormick’s backyard. Dunc turned on some soft music rather than his usual rock playlist. Amanda watched as he brought hot apple cider to Dew and
