Exton

Raina walks out to the patio with Nick. When she sees Gareth she moves behind him. Wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing the side of his face.

“Hey! This looks terrific. I could never have managed anything with the yard. There are so many plants and colors...you really have done a terrific job. And all the lilacs.... I was worried we wouldnt be able to save them and now they are blooming....”

Gareth smiles, proud of the job he had done and glad to hear so many compliments on the way the grounds were shaping up.

“I know you love lilacs... so does Stoney. They remind him of Alises eyes...”

Stoney nods and pulls Alise close, “It is true...” he leans near and whispers, “and the scent... we can talk later of that...”

Alise blushes but grins, intending to hold him to his promise.

“And Raina, I know you love fall colors, so I made sure there would be plenty of fall foliage in all the shades you like.”

Raina grins, “You are the best. How am I ever going to repay you?” She looks around and back to Gareth, “Dont answer that in polite company....”

Grace watches the easy bantering between Raina and Gareth and Stoney and Alise. She glances out at the gardens where Star is sitting with Mya and Lobo.

“I wont be here in the fall to see the colors change....”

Torrent looks down, struggling to control his emotions.

Raina quickly glances at Rowan who gives a slight shake of her head to Rainas unasked question.

She takes a deep breath and steps away from Gareth. Kneeling in front of Grace she takes the small wrinkled hands in hers. The contrast is startling, Rainas hands are strong, yet her touch is soft, trying to offer Grace some comfort.

“My sister Tara is on the other side. She is the spitting image of Alise, only her eyes are blue and she dances when she moves. I have spoken to her of you....”

Graces eyes are wide, “You can do that? I mean...”

“Yes, she will be there, so you wont be alone. Not that you would be anyway. You will carry a little of each one of us with you.... Its hard to explain, the lives you touch you carry in your heart forever. You have touched all of us and I doubt if any of the babies would let us forget even if we could.”

Grace nods and gives Raina a hug, “Thank you. So Alises Tara? She is named after your sister?”

Raina nods and the conversation returns to its lighter tone. When Raina asks Grace if she is tired, Grace shrugs, “I am fine for now. I dont want to miss anything...”