Exton

Alise had been feeding Gracie in the back room, enjoying a few minutes of peace and quiet and time alone with her daughter.

As she re-enters the tavern from the back room, she pauses and takes in the scene before her. The smell of roses fills the room and Alise smiles..

“Bonjour maman, comment allez-vous ? Merci de petit celui-ci précieux. Je sais que c'était vous qu'envoyé lui à nous…”*

Alise can hear the soft laughter of her mother and Gracie opens her eyes and looks around, as if recognizing the sound.

“You hear her too Gracie? Look, this is our family, not only our blood, but the family of our choosing. Your tante Raina is not here but the rest of the family is..”

Alises eyes go dark and soft with love for her family. She watches for a few minutes as she reminds herself how lucky she is to have each and every one of them in her life.

Grace was holding Mera and visiting with Star while Erik and Keon were in a deep conversation together. Alise could see Cassie, a faint blue mist, hovering near Mera. Alise knew no one else could see, well maybe Jack if he were paying attention. But he was talking with Ike and Tori, who excused herself and came back to the table with a guitar. Ob and Pandora were laughing and joking with Stoneys family. Inari and Torin had joined the group and were sitting close having a quiet conversation of their own. Traeger was all smiles since Rowan had joined them. Alise had never seen her with her hair down, a heavy copper curtain that Traeger couldnt seem to stop touching. She was sipping her whiskey and laughing with the others. Alises eyes returned to Stoney and her heart skipped a beat, wishing she could run her fingers through his dark hair and unfasten the rest of the buttons on his shirt....

Chaton...such thoughts will get you in trouble....

I know mon amour.... Alise gives him a knowing grin.

Stoneys eyes meet hers as he takes the guitar from Tori. Come here Allie, so I can sing for my ladies...