Exton

Star and Erik had joined the group by the time Alise decided to come down and get something to eat. She has both babies having missed them during the night. Tara is curled up, knees drawn up, face buried in her mothers neck. Tomas is facing outwards, his mothers arm around his waist. He is giggling and squealing at Lobo, his little arms and legs bouncing.

Afraid of falling, about halfway down the staircase Alise sits on a step and calls out to Star.

“Star, ma petite, can you come get your pup? I am afraid of tripping over her..”

Star turns and looks up at her name being called and rises quickly to help Alise, Erik right behind her. She races up the steps and scoops up Lobo, “I'm sorry Alise. She gets so happy to see the babies..”

Erik takes Tomas, “Come here little guy..” and takes Alises hand, helping her stand.

“Merci. I dont know how I am going to manage with another one. Maybe we can just tie Tomas to Lobo, he would be happy I think..”

Alise settles at the table and Monty brings her favorite omelet. Tara smiles and points at Cassie but will not go with anyone else, content to stay with her mother for now. “Thank you Monty. I am so hungry..”

Star lays her hand on Alises belly and smiles. “She is growing, thats why you are so hungry.”

Cassie laughs softly, “Another girl? You know already?”

“Yes, a girl. I hope my husband and Tomas do not mind being out numbered.”

Wrinkling her forehead as if in concentration, Star says, “You will have boys next time.”

“I will? Are you sure?”

Star nods her head then smiles as she feels the baby shift under her hand. “Does she move a lot?”

“Yes”, Alise says, “she seems very active already.”

Star looks across the table at Cassie and asks, “Has your baby moved yet?”

Cassie freezes, her cheeks fading to a soft lavender shade. She lowers the strawberry she was about to eat to her plate. A tear slowly runs down her face.

Keon, joins the group and grabs an apple from Guunnars plate. As he moves to stand behind Cassie he hears Stars question right as he takes a bite. He is acutely aware of Cassies stillness, and tries hard to swallow the piece of apple in his mouth. Finally forcing it down without choking he says softly, “Cassandra...?”

“Oh! Cassie..I am so sorry. I thought....I mean.....” Stars voice chokes, trying to hold back her tears, realizing from the look on Keons face that he had no idea.

“No, its all right, please dont cry. It's not your fault.” Cassie wipes her tears and taking a deep breath, stands and turns to Keon. He pulls her close and she rests her head on his shoulder and whispers, “I'm sorry. I didnt mean for you to find out like this...”