Dahlia and the Garden of Light - Chapter 90: Chapter 90

The scent of lemon balm and jasmine welcomed them before the gate even came into view. Dahlia had been busy—petals drifted on the breeze like bits of sunset, and the Bloom Room Forest had grown even more lush since Derek and Leo had left.
They walked up the garden path side by side. Leo’s gait was smoother now, but he still padded lightly, barefoot, shirt half unbuttoned despite Derek’s gentle protests.
“You could at least pretend you like clothes,” Derek said, half-laughing as he handed Leo a pair of sandals.
Leo sniffed them and handed them back. “These feel like cages for feet.”
“That's because you’re used to licking your paws.”
Leo smirked. “Still cleaner than your hiking boots.”
They reached the porch where Eliot, Markus, and Christian were sitting around the big table sorting seed packets and maps. Dahlia emerged from the greenhouse doorway, wiping dirt off her hands. Her face lit up.
“You’re back!”
She ran to hug Derek first, then turned to Leo
“Welcome home Leo. Or should I say lion boy?” she teased gently.
“People smell… more intense here. I can tell who fed the birds last. And who had garlic.”
Christian chuckled. “That’s probably me. Sorry.”
Markus stood, extending a hand. “Welcome back.”
Leo hesitated, then shook his hand. “You smell like ironwood and ink today.”
Eliot raised an eyebrow. “And what do I smell like?”
Leo blinked. “Aluminum, orchids, and secrets.”
Everyone laughed.
—
Later That Evening – Reunion
They were sitting around the long wooden table beneath the blooming wisteria pergola. Plates of grilled vegetables, warm bread, and lemon-roasted fish filled the air with savory sweetness. Lanterns flickered in the branches, and wind chimes whispered overhead.
Amy and Jack had arrived a week ago from their extended honeymoon and were catching up with everyone. Amy had barely sat down after meeting Leo, and he leaned over with a curious sniff.
“You’re pregnant.”
Everyone froze.
Jack blinked. “Wait, what?”
Amy’s mouth fell open. “I—what did you say?”
Leo tilted his head. “You’re pregnant. I can smell it. Your body’s making a new scent.”
Amy turned red. Jack turned whiter than parchment.
Dahlia dropped her fork. “Leo!”
“I’m not wrong,” Leo said innocently.
Amy pressed a hand to her chest. “I—I haven’t even told Jack yet. I only just found out this morning—”
“Oh my god,” Jack muttered. Then he stood, looked at her, and suddenly laughed, pulling her into his arms. “Is that true?”
She nodded, teary-eyed. “Yes.”
Everyone burst into surprised congratulations. Markus raised a toast with his lemon water, Christian tossed flower petals in the air, and Derek gave Leo a gentle nudge with his elbow.
“Subtle as a landslide, aren’t you?”
Leo blinked. “Was I not supposed to say?”