You wouldn't believe it, but our home is starting to resemble a proper little house! We planted some trees and flowers over the weekend, and bought the children some things for the backyard, and there we are!
Remember Coral's best friend, Jarod MacAnna-O'Shea?
Well, they aren't just friends any more . . .
It's hard to believe my little girl is already grown up. It seems just a few days ago that she was crawling around, giggling, or building igloos with Peder--but it warms my heart to see her walking hand-in-hand with Jarod.
Peder, on the other hand, is still very much in love with Margaret Hemlock. I'm so happy for them--he's spending more time at her house than ours recently, but I still see them kissing in corners or whispering sweet nothings as they say goodbye.
Clarisse Hemlock moved to Dragon Valley after the death of her fiancé, James, and soon found that it was possible to be happy. Bred and born to be evil, she let go of some of that innate fury when she met first Mason Sackholme, had Margaret, and split up with him to marry a local. However, when she saw that the Moonstones had come to Dragon Valley she formed a plan: she had been born a slave to their house, but now she would insure that her children had a place in the legacy.
"Peder, my mom wants to talk to you!" Margaret called as she went into the house. Already nervous, Peder hurried over to see his girlfriend's mother--the most intimidating woman in Dragon Valley.
"I'm going to get to the point, Peder," Clarisse stated. "You have two younger sisters, I have two sons. One of them must marry one of your sisters, or
bad things will happen. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
Taken aback, Peder stammered, "Well--the things is--I don't--"
"Good." Clarisse gestured to her son, James, who came to stand beside her.
"I guess--I'll see what I can do."
James, no more than eight years old, watched them uncomprehendingly. He had no idea that his future had just been decided.
Margaret exited the house, and--as Clarisse moved past her to go inside--caught Peder's hands, smiling. "What were you two talking about?"
"I'm . . . not sure."
Back at home-- Things are going wonderfully, just wonderfully! Breandan and I have corresponding schedules, so we're able to meet up nearly every night.
The triplets are a handful, of course, but with the teenagers' help we get along.
Finally, it was their birthday!
Alhana aged into a lovely, talented and intelligent young lady.
Usha is a fiery girl with a passion for music and flamboyance.
Palin is a sweet, brave little boy who wants nothing more than to make the world a better place.
