Jade slowly opened the door and smiled-- mostly out of relief-- when she saw Charise and S standing there, along with Artemis. “Hey, guys,” she greeted them. “Come on in. You’re kind of early.”

“We figured you might need a little help. Plus, Missy can keep Nathan and the other kids out of the way until dinner’s ready,” Charise explained, ruffling her daughter’s hair.

Jade smiled warmly at the child, who peeked over the head of her beloved doll at the woman. “Hello, sweetheart. Nathan’s in his room, making his bed. Do you want to go play with him?” Artemis nodded, and Jade stepped aside to let the family in. Jade watched Artemis scamper to Nathan’s room, and she remarked to Charise and S, “It’s great that they’re such good friends.”

“Reminds me of how Charise and I were,” S added.

“How about just letting the kids enjoy being friends, without deciding who they’re like?” Charise responded, giving her husband a light poke in the arm.


Ophelia and Cy walked in, followed by Lisa. “Door was open,” Ophelia explained. “Besides, you guys were all right there anyway, so I figured you wouldn’t mistake us for prowlers.” She gave Jade a warm hug. “How are things? Did you hear from Graham yet?”

“No, but he’s probably going to call within the next half hour,” Jade replied.

“We saw clips of his last concert online,” Cy added. “That was really something.”

“Ophelia could have been part of that, you know,” Charise spoke up. “But she turned him down to work in the rag business.” This was said, not derisively, but in a teasing tone.

“And that ‘rag business’ is doing extremely well,” Ophelia retorted, grinning. “Besides, I recall a certain cousin of mine specifically asking for an Elemental Fashions original to wear as a wedding dress.”

“I figured I’d support my family members.”

“You are. That outfit was made by my company.”


“Hey, we’re here!” Emily called out, as she walked in. Louie followed, carrying a bottle of wine. “We figured you’d want this for when Graham comes back.”

“Thanks, guys,” Jade replied, hugging Emily and Louie. “How are things?”

“Pretty good. Em’s dealing with some crap from her coworkers, though,” Louie replied.

“More problems with you being childfree?”

“Of course,” Emily sighed, rolling her eyes.

“Some respect for their boss, huh?”

“Yeah, really. Tempting to take legal action. Real tempting.”


“Hey,” Valo called out, walking in.

“What’s with everyone letting themselves in?” Jade asked, laughing.

“Hey, we didn’t let ourselves in,” S spoke up.

“True. Fine, there’s some civilized people in this room. Not many, though.”

“I like to think I’m somewhat civilized,” Valo said.

“Trust me, you are,” Ophelia replied, patting her shoulder. “How are things?”

“My lawyer thinks I should adopt my nephew. You know, the younger one.” Everyone fell silent at this. “I don’t know what I should do. I mean, I know he’s family, but we’re strangers to each other. How can I raise a kid I don’t know?”


Everyone remained silent until AJ, Tiffani, and their children walked in. “Hey, what’s going on?” AJ said. “Kind of quiet.”

“Valo might be a mother soon,” Ophelia replied.

“But Grant… I mean… what… how….?” Tiffani stammered.

“I might adopt my nephew,” Valo explained, rolling her eyes.

“Wow. Are you sure you’re up for that kind of thing?” Tiffani asked.

“Honestly, I don’t know. Sara thinks I can.”

“Speaking of Sara, I might need her help soon,” Tiffani replied.

“Why?”

“My boss told me I need to lose weight.”

“But you’re a healthy weight.”

“I know, that’s what the doctor’s report said. But… you know how it is, working with the media…”

Valo rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I know. I can give you one of her cards, and you can call her up and see what kind of legal action you can take, if any.”

“Thanks.”