Cecelia came rushing to Marco the moment he hung up his call, clutching a glowing wand in her small hands. "Uncle Marco! Can I please video call Sa?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Marco hesitated briefly before nodding. "Go ahead."
The connection established almost instantly, with Sabrina's face appearing on the screen within seconds.
"Sa, look what I got!" Cecelia exclaimed, her face illuminated by the soft glow. Realizing Sabrina might not have a good view, she quickly handed the phone to Marco and backed away a few steps, proudly displaying her prize possession.
The garden's evening darkness provided the perfect backdrop for the wand's colorful lights to dance and shimmer.
Sabrina watched in fascination as Cecelia twirled the wand. When the little girl ran back into frame, she was breathless with excitement. "It's my Bloom Celebration gift! Isn't it amazing?"
Something flickered in Sabrina's eyes—a shadow of recognition. Though many memories from her earlier years had faded, this particular image triggered something within her.
"It's really pretty," Sabrina replied, her voice soft with reminiscence. "I think I used to have one too, a long time ago."
"You don't have one now?" Cecelia asked, surprise evident in her voice.
Sabrina shook her head, watching with growing interest as Cecelia created patterns in the air with the glowing wand. It looked genuinely enjoyable.
Making a sudden decision, Sabrina announced, "I'm going to ask my dad for one right now! Hold on—I'll be right back." Without waiting for a response, she dashed away, phone still in hand.
At Dennis Estate, preparations for the Bloom Celebration were in full swing. The day before the main celebration always brought a portion of the extended Dennis family together, and Cullen was busy playing host, navigating conversations with relatives he saw perhaps once a year.
When he spotted Sabrina running toward him with determined purpose, Cullen excused himself from a conversation with two elderly cousins and lifted his daughter slightly away from the crowd. "What's going on, sweetheart?"
"Cecelia got an Bloom Celebration gift—a light wand. I want one too," Sabrina stated plainly.
"A light wand?" Cullen asked, brows furrowing slightly.
"Not like the ones in my bedroom," Sabrina clarified, raising her phone to show him. "Cecelia, show my dad your wand."
"Oh, okay!" Cecelia stepped back, giving Cullen a full view of the illuminated toy as she waved it through the air.
After examining it for a moment, Cullen nodded. "Got it. Thank you, Cecelia."
"You're welcome, Mr. Dennis," the little girl replied politely.
Cullen's attention shifted to Marco, who was still holding the phone on his end. "Any plans for later tonight?"
Marco considered the question briefly. "Probably heading out for the countdown. You?"
"I'll be going out too," Cullen replied simply.
Marco didn't need further explanation. The Bloom Celebration Eve was significant, and it was obvious Cullen would be seeking out Niall tonight. No elaboration needed.
Changing the subject, Marco asked, "Were you in the middle of something when we called?"
"Just entertaining some relatives," Cullen confirmed. "The usual Celebration obligations."
Marco understood perfectly. Being head of the Dennis family meant Cullen never truly got to relax during holidays—there were always appearances to maintain, traditions to uphold.
"I won't keep you, then," Marco offered.
Before returning the phone to Sabrina, Cullen smiled at the screen. "Enjoy the Celebration, both of you."
"You too," Marco replied with a knowing look.
Cullen handed the phone back to his daughter. "Chat with your friend. I'll have someone pick up a light wand for you."
"Thanks, Dad!" Sabrina beamed with satisfaction.
As Cullen walked away to rejoin his guests, Marco passed the phone back to Cecelia so the girls could continue their conversation.
Though neither man had explicitly stated it, their brief exchange had communicated volumes. Marco hadn't asked for details about Cullen's plans, and Cullen hadn't extended an invitation to join him. The message was clear—whatever Cullen had planned for tonight, he intended to do it alone.