"It's true." Nat slid smoothly into the entryway, beaming at their guest. "But he's cute, so I keep him."
Beth's smile went all the way to her eyes now. "I brought you some of my granola. I made a batch last night. You have some wonderful stores here in California - they even have fresh nuts in December."
"Yum." His wife accepted the bright yellow tin appreciatively. "There's a terrific little shop over on Bancroft that will grind nut butter for you right in the store. My favorite is a mix of macadamia nuts and coconut with a little flaxseed thrown in."
"I love macadamia nuts." Beth's grip on the balloon string had relaxed several degrees.
"We can walk over there after lunch if you like." Nat deftly worked Beth out of her coat and bag. "I think we finished our jar this morning."
Alarm bells went off in Jamie's head. He was pretty sure that whatever he spread on his bagels in the morning smelled vaguely like coconut. "I eat flaxseed?"
Nat grinned at Beth, one of those conspiratorial looks designed to make him feel like he was five.
Damn. He did eat flaxseeds. However, he knew better than to interrupt the easy flow of conversation, even though he really wanted to know what else might be lurking innocently in their kitchen.
His wife pulled the lid off the granola, inhaling deeply. "It smells divine. What do you put in it?"
Now the flush in Beth's cheeks was simple happiness. "I can write it down for you if you like."
"Please." Nat cradled the tin. "Such thoughtful gifts you brought. Thank you."
"Moira brought me a present yesterday. It inspired me." Beth held out the balloon string. "Is it all right if I give this to Kenna?"
"Of course." Nat led the way down the hall. "She's in the back yard."
Jamie tried to keep up with them - there was no way he wanted to miss his daughter's face when she spied butterfly treasure. He lightly linked into his wife's mind. Thank you. I was being a klutz again.
You were doing just fine. Nat's mindtouch soothed, as it almost always did. You had her laughing before I even got there.
He was sticking with his version of the story - sexy wife to the rescue. Kenna's gonna flip.
Don't watch her, his wife replied gently. Watch Beth.
He didn't understand why, but as they stepped out into the sunny yard, he positioned himself where he could see them both - his wife was far too smart to ignore. Just as he'd figured, Kenna's face lit up like the Fourth of July the moment she spied the butterfly.
She came toddling as fast as her two chubby legs could move. "Ooooooooooo!" Beaming effervescent delight, the kind babies shared effortlessly with the world.
And her joy didn't hold a candle to Beth's.
-o0o-
Nell looked around. She had her forces assembled, necessary supplies in place. Now all she needed was a plan.
One that wouldn't step in witch quicksand before they even got started.
She sat down on the couch and eyed her team. "I need you guys to help me figure something out."
Five heads nodded, curious.
Time to get everyone on the same page. She looked at her triplets. "We need decorations for the big birthday bash, right? And you guys could use more help."
Three blonde heads bobbed in unison. The polite version of "Duh, Mama."
Nell looked at Moira. "And we have a witch who feels like she's landed in a foreign country where she doesn't know the rules and no one knows her."
Their elder witch nodded calmly over her tea. Nell knew strong convictions lay below the calm surface - they'd had quite the early morning chat about a young Irish immigrant girl and a lost witch from Chicago.
Ginia frowned. "California's not a foreign country."
"It isn't, sweetheart." Moira leaned over and patted her knee. "But our Beth is feeling a bit like it is. She's a little lonely and confused, and we want to help with that."
Three sets of eyes cleared - they loved to help with just about anything.
Nell stepped in before they volunteered. "We need to help in a way that will work for Beth. And that's different than what we might do if one of