Then I lean in to finish the story. “I think it was love at first sight. He was shocked at first that she remembered him. And of course, everyone was shocked that she’d returned. We’re waiting for the weather to clear to see if the Sarkuuts come looking for her. Father’s inviting some of the clan down to visit us and add onto our house. He’d like a separate wing for himself. Says he’s tired of being kept up all night with the noises coming from our bedroom. But honestly?”
The baby in my arms gurgles, and then smiles.
“I think he’s going to ask Cherovi to move into his section of the house.”
Joanna clutches her heart. “It’s getting serious, then?”
“Pretty sure.”
“I’m so glad. Your father deserves love. Do you like her?”
“Love her to death. My daddy’s never been happier.”
Just then there’s a hesitant female voice that calls from outside. “Hyiak?”
Hisa gets up and opens the door wide. The gorgeous orc female looks in warily, then spots me on the sofa and relief washes across her face because I’m familiar.
“Cherovi! Come in,” I call out.
She enters hesitantly. Her skin is much darker than everyone else’s and her hair is greener, which matches her eyes. “I’m so glad I have the right place. I rode in with my brother and we stopped at a lake where a bunch of males were frolicking naked. All ages, from wee brats to”—she blushes, her cheeks turning dark green— “well, your father. And Jacovi suddenly seemed like he wanted to get rid of me and said to just walk on until I got to the house with the yellow roses. And I wanted to askmore, but he started to strip and I didn’t want to get an eyeful of that, so I turned and practically hightailed it here. Of course, I got confused because there was another house with yellow flowers and I couldn’t remember if he said roses or just flowers… all I remembered was the word yellow—”
I laugh, tugging her down to the couch to sit next to me. “I’m sorry you were scarred. Were you distracted and trying to catch a peek at my father when Jacovi shocked you and pulled down his pants?”
By her stammer, I’m sure I’m right and the others start to giggle.
“Everyone, meet Cherovi.” Everyone nods as I start to introduce them. “This precious sleeping brat is the newest member. She’s Jasil, named by her sister”—I motion with my chin toward Shalia— “in a family tradition. Shalia there is the daughter of Joanna and Latsil. Joanna is daddy’s best friend.”
Joanna reaches over and hugs Cherovi, who looks startled for a moment before hugging her back.
“I’ve heard so much about you,” Cherovi says.
I wait until they separate to continue. “Hannah is Prince Brun’s wife. My aunt. That’s Hisa, her daughter. She’s got other kids running around the village also.”
Hannah waves at her, then scowls. “So we have a couple of grown, naked males in the lake? Instead of correcting Latjo and Silan, they joined them?”
Cherovi’s eyes grow wide. “More than a couple, aye? Like half your village.”
Aunt Hannah’s jaw drops and Hisa and Shalia start giggling.
“If Sweet Knees hands that brat back to her momma, we can pull a prank just like in the old days,” Hisa says.
I lean forward. “What did you have in mind?”
“Sneaking up to the bank and collecting all their clothes to bring back. Imagine their surprise when they get out of the lake to findnothing? And they have to make their way back through the village bare-assed?”
Shalia starts to laugh. “The walk of shame! The village ‘twould be full by then. The hunters are due to arrive back and the kitchens will have the ale flowing.”
“Will we be able to deny it with a straight face this time?” Joanna asks.
“That’s the only way it’ll work,” Hannah agrees. “And now we have Cherovi here to swear all six of us were in the house with the baby the entire time.”
We turn to Cherovi. She grins wickedly. “I saw nothing. Chatted the entire time with six wonderful females and even got to hold a sweet wee brat.” She rubs her hands together gleefully and I deposit Jasil into her lap.
“Joanna, where’s your leftover scraps of fabric? They’re not still here, are they?”
“They shouldn’t be. Lats assured me he took them to the main room for the little ones to sew with.”
I grin wickedly. If they’re still in a barrel outside, Uncle Lats will know it’s us… but can’t say a word because there’s no way he’ll disappoint Joanna and admit he lied, never taking the scraps away. “Let’s grab the scraps, aye? Will be funnier if they all drift back tied in yellow ribbons.”
