Miho & Dominic - Fav Photos 25

Miho & Dominic - A Love Story

My sister and I were working on the second book in the Somewhere In Time series - the Wedding - and it was in the lead up to Baron & Naomi's wedding that Dominic arrived on the scene. The book was going well until we hit that road block. The part in the story where Miho tells Baron that she's been seeing someone, and we are first introduced to Dominic, just wasn't working with the few sets of photos of them I'd taken back in 2022, and it needed to be expanded upon with more photos and an actual 'story'. So I quickly came up with several new scenes to help tell Miho's and Dominic's back story, and spent an entire week doing eleven marathon photo shoots. Then I combined the new photos with the older ones into a more cohesive story.

So this is the newly expanded "Director's Cut'....of how it will appear in the book.
It takes place about a week before Baron and Naomi's wedding.

Telling Baron

Miho had sent for Baron, and he found her in her garden. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, I did. You know I love you,” she began, “and nothing is ever going to change that? No one is ever going to come between us?"

Baron was confused. "Yes, of course. I love you too. What's this all about?"

"Well … sit down.” and she waved him towards a chair. “I have something I want to tell you."
"So … what's going on?" he asked.

"I've met someone."

Baron was taken a little aback. This was not what he'd been expecting.
"Oh … really?!? Umm … do I know him?"

"I don't think so. His name is Dominic, and he's a powerful sorcerer from a distant realm, far beyond Lawrence's kingdom.”

The Gathering

“Two years ago, when you were away," explained Miho,

"I received an invitation to attend the Covenstead Gathering. It’s a group of high-ranking wizards and mystic individuals concerned with maintaining the balance of magic in the world around us.

It’s held every five years, and with you away, I thought it would be a welcome distraction. So, Winston and I went.

The Gatherings are held in different locations every time, and this one was being hosted by Dominic at his castle.

After everyone had arrived we all gathered for the formal welcome and opening statements.

And then, anyone who had any concerns could take turns presenting their case, and open it up for discussion.

We had many interesting discussions.

A Banquet

"In the evenings," continued Miho,

...we would get together for dinner in the great hall.

Both Winston and I had a wonderful time catching up with our old friends.

...as did everyone else.

But, each time I glanced over towards Winston at the other end of the table,

I noticed Dominic was watching me.

...but when our eyes met, he'd quickly turn his attention back to the conversation with the other wizards.

Dominic's Castle

Miho continued to tell her story. "The following day I received an invitation...

...to join Dominic for a walk around his estate.

I had met him several times before at previous Gatherings, and had liked him.

He was brilliant, and such an interesting person...

...but he was married at the time...

So, we had just stayed casual acquaintances.

A Private Dinner

"Then that evening," continued Miho.

I was surprised when I arrived for dinner....

...that I was his only guest.

But he immediately made me feel at ease. He was so comfortable to be with, and conversation came easily.

I knew that his wife had died several years ago, and he was now a widower. He had an adult son just a few years younger than you, who was also a knight.

We talked for hours, about this and that, and everything.

I really enjoyed spending time with him.

and I had a wonderful evening

Keeping In Touch

"As the week went on, "continued Miho, "Dominic and I became friends - or maybe even a bit more - and we agreed to stay in touch.

Winston had befriended the Raven, who was Dominic's associate...

...and the two of them offered to deliver our letters so we could keep in touch after I went back home.

We spent several months sending letters to each other,

and I always looked forward to the Raven’s arrival.

...or when Winston would arrive with a new letter.

A Visit

"After a few months of communicating by letter," continued Miho, "I was really missing him, so I invited him to come for a visit.

We took long walks...

Dinner

We enjoyed quiet dinners in my garden....

The time seemed to pass far too quickly.

We really enjoyed being together, and he invited me to go back home with him when it was time for him to leave."

Visiting Dominic

"So, I went back to Dominic's castle with him." continued Miho, "We both loved riding, and would go every day.

In the evenings we'd spend hours in his library.

He had the most amazing collection of interesting old books.

Having been alone for so long, we had both been a bit hesitant to get involved too quickly at first,

but our feelings for each other soon began to blossom into something more.

A Proposal

"Dominic and I continued to stay in touch, but letters just didn't feel like enough anymore, and our visits became more frequent.

I found it increasingly difficult every time one of us had to leave and go home.

Then one evening on his last visit here, he told me that he'd fallen in love with me,

...and he proposed that we make our relationship permanent, move in together, and become life partners.

I told him that I felt the same way about him.

I loved him, and I said 'yes'.

Concerned in the Garden

"But I was also a little concerned about your reaction, since it has been just the two of us for your whole life since you were a baby.

Dominic suggested I needed to just talk to you,

and that he was confident that everything would be fine.

Which is why I've called you here today. I have been keeping my relationship with Dominic private for quite a while," continued Miho,"and I felt it was finally time to tell you.”

Baron was a little bemused at the thought of his Mother falling in love, and just sat quietly listening.

"I haven't felt like this for a very long time.” she continued, “I never expected to find true love so late in life, and with Dominic moving in with me, it's time to take the next step and make our relationship public. I would love to have him accompany me at your wedding next week, but I wanted your blessing first."

Baron took her hand...

"Of course I give my blessing. You deserve to be happy just like everyone else.

If you love this man, and he loves you, and he makes you happy...then I'm happy for you."

Miho got up to give her son a hug.

"I love you! Thank you for understanding."

"So, when do I get to meet him?"

"Well, how about tomorrow evening at dinner?” she suggested, “I'm anxious for you and Naomi to meet him, and he’d really like to meet you as well.”

* This ends the newly expanded insert into the story from 2022, and it continues here....
The Dress Fitting, Telling Naomi, and the Dinner with Dominic