Halfway through, she started laughing. I’m only teasing. I happen to think this place is magnificent, and I love it, but I know you wouldn’t be okay here forever.

I’m glad you love it. I wanted you to be happy. And it will do for even a year or two if we need it that long.

They talked for a few minutes longer, but he had grown distracted, which was a sure sign that people were interrupting him in person, so Pia said goodbye. Eva had left to settle into her space. There was nothing to do, and nowhere Pia needed to go. She could have called for Jocasta or Ramone, the Wyr couple they had hired for house staff, so they could babysit while she went swimming or exploring.

But she had also gotten perhaps an hour’s nap the night before, and she wanted to revel privately in the luxury of being in her new home-for-now. This wasn’t a vacation, she reminded herself. She had all the time in the world to explore later. Plucking a paperback off one bookshelf, she settled onto the large, comfortable couch and began to read. It was a great story, by a favorite author. Six pages in, she fell fast asleep.

A quiet knock brought her leaping off the couch. First chance she got, she needed to make a sign that said BABY SLEEPING. Setting her book aside on the couch cushion, she rushed to answer the door.

Graydon’s mate Beluviel stood on the doorstep a miniscule newborn strapped to her chest, Linwe by her side. The beautiful Elven woman looked happier than Pia had ever seen her. Pia exclaimed in delight when she saw the baby girl’s downy head. “It’s so good to see you—and you brought Giselle!” She hugged the other women. “Niall’s asleep. We have a sitting area on a deck. Would you like to sit outside? And please tell me I can hold that little girl.”

“Of course, you can.” Beaming, Bel transferred the baby into Pia’s arms. “I’m so glad you’ve arrived. I do love new beginnings, but the whole settlement is in chaos, and there’s building dust everywhere. Trust me, you don’t want to go out in the afternoons. Your house is wonderful.”

“Dragos thinks it’s too small.” Pia rolled her eyes and laughed. She smiled at Linwe. The younger Elven woman carried a bow and quiver on her back and had dyed the tips of her hair bright pink. Casually, she said, “Linwe, you look great. Eva’s going to be glad to see you.”

Linwe’s eyes brightened. “Is she here?”

Ooooooohhhh. Was it possible Eva’s feelings were reciprocated?

Pia pointed out Eva’s cottage. “She is, and that’s her cottage right there. Why don’t you let her know you and Bel have come to visit?”