Exton

Laila smiles and enters the cottage as Stoney holds the door open for her. She is greeted with happy shrieks and “La La! Maman, La La!”

She scoops up Tomas first and kisses his cheeks, then Tara, who laughs happily. “Where is your little sister?”.

Tara points to a cradle near the fireplace and Laila whispers, “Ohh... then we must be quieter, so we dont wake her. She needs her nap..”

Stoney and Ramji carry Lailas things upstairs as Rowan arrives, carrying Serenas basket with a large towel thrown over it. “I thought to save you a trip. I knew you would want her here. And this way I can take a look at your hand.”

After a few minutes Stoney gathers up the twins so Alise can take Laila upstairs. “I hope you like the colors, Stoney and I want you to be happy here with us...”

Laila gasps as she enters the room. The soft browns and turquoises are perfect. “Ohh... its beautiful. You really didnt have to go to so much trouble...”

“It was no trouble, and Stoneys sister Ike loves to shop.” Alise takes her hand and pulls her to the small sitting room. “I wasnt sure what you would do in here, so we just moved this chair in. Theres room for books on the shelves or your sewing things...” Thea hands Laila the small basket with a decorated lid and smiles.

“This is all I have...” and Laila sets it on a shelf.

“Well, I am sure there will be more as time goes by. I love to sew, we can go shopping for some new things one of these days.” Alise says and then points to the newly added door. “This is your private entrance. There is still some work to be done on the deck but Erik says it will only take a day or two longer.” Alise opens the door to reveal a good size deck and a stone path leading across the back lawn to the driveway. “Stoney put in the path, and there is room for Ramji to park in that part of the driveway. We left a spot for a small rock garden. You can ask Star about plants and such, she is good with them, far better than I am...”

Laila is speechless for a moment, and her eyes well with unshed tears. “Thank you so much. This is so much more than I ever expected...” she says in a quiet voice.

Putting an arm around her sister Thea hugs her, then turns to Alise. “Thank you madame. It means so much to me to know she will be cared for and appreciated.” Her gaze takes in Ramji too, who can never seem to take his eyes off Laila when she is near.

Alise smiles, “You are both welcome. I am sure this going to work out well for everyone. I will go now and let you settle in. Dont forget we have a late supper planned at the tavern for your sister and Adrian. Is it true you must fly back in the middle of the night?”

Thea nods, “Yes, it is easier for my lord to travel this way. I was loathe to leave, but now... well... I see Laila is happy and she has a cell phone, we will be able to stay in touch.”

Laila hugs Thea tight. She had missed her sister desperately when she was with Rath, moving from place to place. She was too overcome with emotion to utter a word.

Alise understood all too well how Laila was feeling. She gave her a hug and rubbed her back, “You dont have to say anything, I understand. Family is most important, is it not?” She smiles at Laila and Thea, “We should leave in about an hour. I'll let you have some time alone.”