Exton

Alise smiles as she clears the table with Stars and Lailas help. Breakfast had gone well, Alise always enjoyed the company of her extended family. She did miss Raina and Nick, but Nick couldnt be at breakfast any more than Stoney could and Raina was not an early riser.

Erik and Keon excuse themselves, wanting to take a look at the back of the house. Keon had looked at the room Alise intended for Laila and said a door would not be a problem, but adding a balcony or deck could be. Star takes Mera and Alises children to play on the floor and Lobo lounges nearby.

Alise picks up her notebook where she had left it in the living room and returns to the table. She takes a seat across from Laila and goes over everything her and Stoney had discussed, salary, hours, most evenings and weekends off if she liked...

Laila was almost speechless, “But that is so much money...I dont need so much...”

“Nonsense. We called some agencies to see what salaries would be. If you like we can put most of it in the bank for you, its up to you.” Alise smiles watching Laila and Ramji. She had a pretty good idea of what happened last night. The little touches, the way Ramji's eyes softened when he looked at her, Lailas soft blushes....

Good! She deserves her happiness, Ramji too. I am glad for them....

Reaching across the table Alise takes Theas hand. “Stoney wanted me to reassure you..” and glancing to Ramji, “and you, that Laila would be well cared for here. She will be treated with respect and more like a member of our family than an employee. And as such she will be under our protection and the gars.” She looks back to Ramji, “We know you will have times when you have other obligations... We will keep her safe when you have to be away.”

Ramji nods, “I expected no less, Lady Alise.”

Thea smiles, “It sounds like a wonderful offer, and more than fair. But it is Lailas decision...”

Glancing at her sister then at Ramji, Laila takes a breath. “I have one question. My cat, Serena. Can she come with me? She has kittens too, and they are too young to be taken away from her... I would even be willing to keep her outside, if you have a shed or something...”

Letting out the breath she had been holding Alise laughs softly, “Mon Dieu...is that all? I thought it was something serious. Of course you may bring your kitty, and her family too. Tara loves cats. They can stay in the house, we dont mind.. Oh! Would you like to see the room you would have? The sylphs have been cleaning and I need to add a few things, but we can look at it if you like.”

Laila nods and stands. She cant believe this happening. A decent job that she will love and no one who will beat her or yell at her. A room actually in the house, not shoved off outside like an unwanted dog. Her cat and a paycheck.... As they head upstairs her thoughts turn to Ramji and the night they had spent together and the morning.... Last night had been perfect, but this morning when they woke... lovemaking so sweet and tender it brought tears to her eyes, which Ramji kissed away before he led her to the shower. He had washed her carefully, scrubbing the blood from her thighs and helping her with her hair. Then they made love again under the falling water.

Laila looks down to hide the blush she can feel creeping up her cheeks.

Alise stops at a door at the top of the stairs. 'There are other rooms up here, and I am sure one day soon, the twins will want their own rooms....”

Laila gasps when she enters the room. Spacious with a large four poster bed placed across the room from a stone fireplace and a window overlooking the woods to the side of the house. Laila wanders over to the fireplace, “Its beautiful... does it work?”

“Oh yes. Stoney will cut wood soon. We have two fireplaces on the main floor. Over here is a small sitting room.... well... area actually... its not very big. But if you like to read or sew the light is perfect. The bathroom is over there...” Alise points down a short hallway. “And the closet is across from the bathroom.”

“Closet? I have a closet? And a bathroom of my own?”

Thea joins Laila in investigating the bathroom and Ramji smiles at Lailas obvious delight. “I cant believe she is so happy over a closet.”

Grinning Alise tells him, “It is a woman thing... closets and bathrooms. And if she hasnt had either one in such a long time I am sure she is excited. Ramji... do you know what her favorite colors are?”

He nods, “That is an easy question. The colors of her island, the turquoise blue of the ocean, sand, golden yellow sunshine, the soft orange of apricots and starfish.”

“Thank you. I want to make sure she is comfortable here. And you too. You are welcome any time.” Alise smiles to herself, Ike and I will have so much fun shopping and getting this ready if Laila agrees...

Ramji nods as Laila and Thea rejoin them.

“What do you think Laila?” Alise asks.

“I think I would love to come and be your children's nanny. Thank you for thinking of me. I will do my best for you and the little ones.”

“Oh, I am so glad!” Alise gives Laila a hug. “It will take me a few days to get your room in order so we can decide then when you would like to start. Lets go tell Tara and Tomas. My son will be over the moon I am sure.”