Smiling, Trent tucked a blanket with the Disney logo under Lucy’s chin. She squirmed, but didn’t wake. “It was my pleasure. The honey seemed to do the trick.”

“Yup.” Ivy was yelling at Jenks, who had dropped back down into the church by the sound of it—something about leaving his kids alone and that they’d done okay. Angels and ass seemed to figure into the conversation. Sighing, I looked at the light spilling from the church. I was tired, and getting out of the car only meant more work.

“I know I’ve said it before, but thank you. For Lucy,” Trent said.

I turned to Trent, then smiled at her, pouting in her sleep. My gaze flicked back to him, and I studied his love for her, honest and irrefutable on his face. He was different, less confident, softer. Or maybe I was just seeing him that way. “She’s beautiful,” I said, readjusting her blanket.

The thumps from the trunk were obvious, and I reached for the door.

“Ceri is due any day now,” Trent said, and I wondered if he was trying to get me to stay a moment longer. “But with Lucy there first, Ceri’s baby will be the second born.”

I slumped back, curious. “Lucy is the ranking elf of the next generation? Not Ceri’s baby?”

His new softness vanished, and he eyed me steadily. “I meant it when I said you’d have a say in it.”

Tugging my new jacket closer, I tried to make light of it. “You mean, like I have to babysit or something?”

“I was thinking more like godmother.”

My nervous mirth changed to alarm. Oh jeez, a demonic godmother. Feeling ill, I glanced at him. “Okay. Yes. I’d like that. Thank you. It’s an honor,” I said, not sure this was a good idea but gratified nevertheless. I had Trent’s trust, and it was apparently an all-or-nothing affair. And I guess…he had mine.

I jumped when my door opened, Quen standing ready with my two suitcases and garment bag at the curb. They had canceled my brother’s wedding since my mom had been stuck in jail while San Francisco rocked and rolled. Robbie was never going to forgive me, and I wasn’t invited to the new wedding next month.

Giving Trent a last smile and Lucy a fond touch on her toes, I got out. Quen helped me arrange one suitcase over my shoulder and handed me my garment bag, never unzipped the entire trip. “Thanks, Quen,” I said when his pockmarked, weathered face curled up in a smile. “Tell Ceri I said hi.” Leaning in, I whispered, “And sorry about the ranking elf-baby thing.”

He laughed, making the dark street seem comforting. “She doesn’t care,” he said. “The two of them are to be raised as sisters, though they don’t share a drop of common blood.” Hesitating, he looked to the church’s open door as a stream of noise flowed out. “Would you like some help getting this in?”

Thinking Trent had to be anxious to get home, I shook my head. “I got it. Thanks.” Leaning down, I grinned at Trent through the window, surprised he’d shifted seats and was now in mine. “Thanks for everything.” I raised a hand, the circle of charmed silver catching the light. “You’re, uh, a lifesaver.”