Sumi liked this woman immediately. Thia was right. Her stepmother was a good woman.

Against Andarion custom, Dancer’s grandmother pulled Sumi in for a tight hug, then she kissed each of her cheeks in turn. “I could not be prouder of you, grastiya, had I birthed you.” Releasing Sumi, she smiled at Dancer. “You have done well for yourself, prie yeyonon. I cannot wait to paint our heritage on her beautiful face for you.”

Dancer struck his heart with his right hand. “Thank you, Yaya. You greatly honor us both.” His eyes were filled with mirth as he turned Sumi toward Kiara. “I should probably introduce you two. Kiara Quiakides, this is Sumi… eton Anatole.”

Kiara smiled warmly in greeting. “And having blindly stumbled into this conversation at probably the worst possible time, I can see why my mother-in-law adopted you. You’re just like her, and that’s not a bad thing. I adore Cairistiona with my whole heart. And it is a pleasure to meet you, Sumi.” She adjusted the baby in her arms until the little girl, who was dressed in a frilly pink tutu, was sitting up, staring at them. “And this our daughter Zarina.”

Sumi’s jaw went slack at the sight of the adorable Andarion infant. She had a mass of black curls around her head, and her skin was the same caramel color of Dancer’s. Thia was right, her white-and-red eyes were a little strange at first, but once she smiled and her dimples came out, they faded into the background. “She’s absolutely beautiful.”

“Would you like to hold her?”

Sumi hesitated as fear tightened her stomach. “I’ve never held a baby that size before. I would hate to hurt her.”

Kiara laughed. “What was it Jayne said to me right after Adron was born…? Oh yeah, don’t panic if you drop it. They’re remarkably hard to kill.”

Sumi gasped at something that sounded just like the Jayne Dancer and Thia had told her about. “No, she didn’t.”

“Yes, yes, she did. You’ve got to love Jayne’s take on things.” Kiara gently placed Zarina into Sumi’s arms and showed her how to support her back. “And speaking of babies, I haven’t had a chance to thank you for bringing Thia back to us.” Tears welled in Kiara’s soft amber-gold eyes. “I would be devastated if anything ever happened to my oldest daughter. And I know if not for you and what you did, we’d be planning her funeral. Thank you so much.” She kissed Sumi’s cheek.

“I’m glad I was able to do it. Thia is a remarkable young woman. Scary, but remarkable.”

Kiara laughed. “She is her father’s daughter. And his shining pride and joy. Just like this one.”