We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

[Tuesday, November 24th (Day 177)]
[Early Afternoon- Karina Bathory's home]


Leaving Toby's house, I have a bounce to my step as I make my way onto my horse, Clover.  Toby and I had a pleasant lunch and we talked and laughed as we caught up.  He's been my pal for years now and I wanted him to be the first one I spoke to officially.  I had to register with him anyway so it made good sense.

As I ride along, I'm thinking back to recently and a smile blooms on my face as I begin to hum.  Lily's visited me a few times, four in total these last three weeks and I get the feeling that she's got a lot to do with my good mood.  She's appeared exactly when I was thinking of her and when I told her my idea, she clapped her hands and giggled as she encouraged me to do it.  Molly, too and between them, I let myself get swept up in their enthusiasm.  I'm still not sure I can handle it all but with Molly on one side and Lily on the other, I don't think I have a choice. 

And for some reason, I don't mind.  Some men don't like being fussed over but I can honestly say that I've become a quiet fan.  Maybe Molly's coddled me all these years but now with Lily's added attention, life is finally moving in a direction I like.  I know it's not like that for everyone though and I think that's a big reason why I made my decision.

Spotting my destination, I dismount and tie Clover's reins up before retrieving a bag and walking up the front steps. Knocking on the door, I know that she doesn't expect me but I think it'll be fine.  I can't remember a single time she's ever turned me away and I smile wide as the door opens.


[Open to Karina]
[Closed]

Comments

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

I'm closer to the door, so I mentally tell Lena to keep cooking as I turn the knob and pull open the door. A smile comes to my face when I see him.

"Why, Jamie Kincaid! As I live and breathe!" I say with a dramatic palm over my heart. "How are you, Darling? It's been ages!" I release the door and give him a hug, forgoeing my old kisses. They've gotten me into too much trouble. "Come in! Or did you want to sit on the porch? It's a little cool...." I can hear Lena automatically begin the tea. There are advantages to having...things like her.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

Karina greets me warmly, with her usual flair and I smile, laughing as she pulls me into a hug while saying, "How are you, Darling? It's been ages!" I hug her tightly, thinking of all the news I heard from Toby before I pull away and smile again. "I'm doing well. Really good, actually and yes, it's been forever. Not since summer, I think and I've really missed you."

She draws me into the house, saying "Come in! Or did you want to sit on the porch? It's a little cool...." I shake my head, replying, "Inside is fine. I'd never forgive myself if you caught a chill because of me." I enter the house, immediately feeling the heat and smiling at Karina as I look her over and say, "Did anyone tell you I was coming to see you because you look beautiful, Karina? And even if they didn't, I brought you a gift." I shake my bag gently, smiling as I catch her the waist before glancing around as I ask, "Where's Lena?"

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

I nod as he mentions summer, that time that feels like forever ago. I shut the door behind him as he surveys the room and I try not to beam with pride at this place that is more mine than Follow Me Boy ever was, with so many others living and working there.

"Did anyone tell you I was coming to see you because you look beautiful, Karina? And even if they didn't, I brought you a gift." I blush and motion him into the parlour. I have missed complements from men not really obligated to me.

"No, not a peep," I say. "And thank you." I eye the bag. "What sort of gift?"

As he asks after Lena, she enters with the tray of tea and some cookies Leah helped bake earlier. She beams at Jamie but acts like a servant. That stings a little, but after all it's what I want or she wouldn't do it.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

I relax as Karina's smiling at me and it reminds me of the past times I've visited Follow Me Boy. Her warm welcomes were always one of the things I remember best and she blushes prettily as she motions me into the parlor.

"No one? Well, then this is a surprise visit for one my favorite girls." I continue to smile as I hand her the bag, "Molly's made honey candy and I knew I had to bring you some. It's delicious and the honey's from Hive Three. It's always the sweetest. Hives Three and Four are reliable for that and the bees seem the happiest there lately."

Lena enters and lays the tray down, bright and cheerful as she looks at me. Returning the smile, I say, "Thank you, Lena," and turn to Karina, catching her hand. "And how have you been? I know you weren't feeling well, and I would've come by earlier but Molly had been hurt. You look wonderful to me though. You always have," and I gently squeeze her fingers.

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

"How kind of you," I say and hand the bag to Lena to arrange a few on a plate and bring them back. She's leaving when Jamie catches my hand in his and I feel a tingle in my skin. Being in a relationship is a strange, strange thing after all these years. And I'm not that old. I think, maybe, that monogamy is difficult. At least, for those like me.

"And how have you been? I know you weren't feeling well, and I would've come by earlier but Molly had been hurt. You look wonderful to me though. You always have," Jamie says and squeezes my fingers slightly. I glance down. Oh, the things that have happened since we spoke last, Darling.

"I am...better," I say and bring my eyes up to his. "How is Molly? I heard that something had happened with that Wilson girl." I shake my head. "Awful thing." I squeeze Jamie's fingers gently, too, and look up at him thoughtfully. I feel an urge to tell him all that's gone on, the things with Iblis, my lack of sleep, Erzebet, L--Lúgh. Even thinking it hurts. And Leah. "Oh, we have a girl staying with us. Leah. She just appeared out of nowhere, didn't remember a thing. But she is a quick study," I say with a proud smile.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

Karina's glancing down as I ask after her before raising her lovely eyes and saying, "I am...better," There's a pause from her and it jerks at my insides as she asks, "How is Molly? I heard that something had happened with that Wilson girl. Awful thing."

There's a spark between us, when she squeezes my fingers and she looks for all the world like she wants to talk with me but can't seem to find her way. "Edith," I reply. "Yes, she gained some hurtful abilities." I give Karina a pained look as I continue, "I think it was the Tower. She came to the Homestead afterwards and attacked the household while I was out. Molly and one of the kittens, Daisy, were the only survivors. It was a mess, Karina," and I shake my head. "If the doctor hadn't been there, I probably would've lost Molly too."

But I've ignored her, talking about my pain and I clear my mind of the past troubles as she adds, "Oh, we have a girl staying with us. Leah. She just appeared out of nowhere, didn't remember a thing. But she is a quick study." I lace my fingers with hers and say, "That's very kind of you, sharing your home with a lost girl." Her smile's proud and I continue, "She's lucky she came across you, instead of someone else. Some people wouldn't have taken her in, or even helped her." I gently caress her knuckles as I add, "And she sounds like she's been good for you too."

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

I close my eyes in pain for him and for Molly as he talks. And, gods, the Tower. Is there anyone in this town that bastard's not hurt?

"If the doctor hadn't been there, I probably would've lost Molly too."

"I'm glad he was able to help," I murmur with a half-smile. "And that you're both alright."

His fingers lace through mine and for a moment I lose track of what he's saying, as if I'm some school girl--or just a ninny.

"She's lucky she came across you, instead of someone else. Some people wouldn't have taken her in, or even helped her." Jamie's fingers run over my knuckles and feel my heart pound. "And she sounds like she's been good for you too."

"Yes," I say softly. I don't remember if Lena's come and gone with the tray, but I do remember something. It should make me step away, but I can't. "Have you met Maryk? He's teaching her. To, um, take care of herself." I still don't like it much, but I see its value. And she's so naive and child-like.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

"I'm glad he was able to help, and that you're both alright." I nod as I say, "Thank you, Karina. Molly'll be glad to hear it."

I talk about Leah and how good she's been for Karina, and in a soft voice, Karina agrees and says, "Have you met Maryk? He's teaching her. To, um, take care of herself." I smile, saying, "I remember him. He was your stoic security man from the wake. He looked capable and I'll bet he's a good teacher. He has to be, if you're trusting him."

The wake was in June and it's now November. And Maryk is still with her? They must be involved and I wonder how Leah fits in as I ask, "Does she attend school? I heard the schoolmistress is always taking new students and the children all rave about her."

I gently stroke her hand as I ask, "And what about the campaign, Karina? How've you been holding up since then? Someone told me a crazy story and I had to correct him." I shake my head, annoyed with the gossip I'd heard as I continue, "He said you killed Reaves and when I refused to believe him, he insulted you." ...a cheap, murdering slut, "My bees were unhappy too, because that swarm followed him from my property, straight to the river. And I haven't seen him since," and I give her a satisfied smile while keeping her hand in mine.

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

I smile. "Yes, he's very trustworthy. And I think he'd surprise you," I add. "Kaeli is wonderful. Fiona loves her. Leah seems a little old, but we've talked about it."

"And what about the campaign, Karina? How've you been holding up since then? Someone told me a crazy story and I had to correct him. He said you killed Reaves and when I refused to believe him, he insulted you. My bees were unhappy too, because that swarm followed him from my property, straight to the river. And I haven't seen him since," Jamie finishes with a satisfied smile that makes me laugh.

"Jamie, you would make a very good knight in shining armour," I say and squeeze his hand playfully. "And I wondered about that. No one's questioned me, but...I figured there would be assumptions." I shrug my shoulders slightly. "So we all wait in limbo, I suppose. I don't even know what they're going to do about the election."

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

She smiles and sounds happy with Maryk, and that's good to hear because she's always deserved to do well. She continues, "Kaeli is wonderful. Fiona loves her. Leah seems a little old, but we've talked about it."

I smile, "Fiona, too? That schoolmistress must be something special. How old is Leah, if you don't mind my asking." Karina can afford to raise a child, really a brood if she wanted. Having Maryk around can't hurt either.

"Jamie, you would make a very good knight in shining armour," and I flush a bit while we hold hands and she continues, "And I wondered about that. No one's questioned me, but...I figured there would be assumptions."

"That's part of why I'm here, Karina. I spoke to Toby and he said that Mab is still investigating but she did want to talk to you." I lean forward as I say, "You should speak to her and clear any suspicions. I know you didn't do it, Karina. Don't let Reaves' supporters get away with dragging your good name through the mud." I laugh as I add, "I only have so many bees and they need to be making honey, not chasing idiots through town."

She shrugs and adds, "So we all wait in limbo, I suppose. I don't even know what they're going to do about the election." I squeeze her hand gently, her hand between both of mine, "I've spoken to Toby about that, too. The council's going to re-open the election and they're taking nominations right now. I've signed up, Karina but I'd never want you to think I was trying to hurt you by doing that."

I give her a gentle smile as I continue, "I don't know if you plan on running again but I'd be honored to run against you. I'd probably lose, too," I say with a laugh. "I don't get out as often as you do and everyone knows you."

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

"Fiona, too? That schoolmistress must be something special. How old is Leah, if you don't mind my asking." I raise my eyebrows as if I'm thinking. I'm not telling him her age could be counted in days rather easily.

"We're not really sure. I would guess twenty-two or so."

"That's part of why I'm here, Karina. I spoke to Toby and he said that Mab is still investigating but she did want to talk to you." He leans forward and my breath catches. "You should speak to her and clear any suspicions. I know you didn't do it, Karina. Don't let Reaves' supporters get away with dragging your good name through the mud." That levity makes me laugh, too, and lets me breathe more easily. "I only have so many bees and they need to be making honey, not chasing idiots through town." I don't know why Mab hasn't come to me or sent that deputy if she wants to talk to me. It's not as if I've moved. But I nod. I've always liked her; no harm in talking to her. Jamie squeezes my hand in both of his and I look down at them. They're rough, but still have a softness to them. The things you notice when it's not your job anymore.

"I've spoken to Toby about that, too. The council's going to re-open the election and they're taking nominations right now. I've signed up, Karina but I'd never want you to think I was trying to hurt you by doing that." I look up quickly into his eyes. I won and they're...? I mean, it makes sense, but damnit I should have been told. I should have been questioned. I suppress the irritation I feel as Jamie continues gently, "I don't know if you plan on running again but I'd be honored to run against you. I'd probably lose, too," he laughs. "I don't get out as often as you do and everyone knows you." I laugh, too.

"Yes, but they don't all know me for the best of reasons, Darling. I believe it is I that would lose." Realizing we've been standing awhile, I tug at his hand and sit on the couch nearest us. "So what's a girl like me supposed to do when faced with a guy like you, Darling?"

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

Karina mentions Leah's age and it's older than school-age. I say, "No need for school then unless you think otherwise. I guess the schoolmistress could tutor her?"

I explain that I've spoken to Toby about Robert Reaves and my signing up for the election. She quickly glances up from our joined hands and looks hurt. I sigh inwardly, not wanting to see her in pain because of something beyond her control. I'm laughing though as I tell her I'd lose to her and she laughs too. I always did love her laugh and she says, "Yes, but they don't all know me for the best of reasons, Darling. I believe it is I that would lose."

She smiles, tugging me to the couch without dropping my hands. The room's scented with her lovely perfume and as I sit down, she continues, "So what's a girl like me supposed to do when faced with a guy like you, Darling?"

I chuckle softly and say with affection, "The same thing you've always done, Karina: be as gracious and lovely as ever. Honestly, I'm just a simple farmer next to you and it's intimidating to face you in an election, but I will." I brush away a loose curl from her face, smiling as I remember how pretty she was the first time I saw her, and I usually like redheaded women but Karina being a brunette never made her less appealing.

"You've been in Excolo for what? Fifteen years now? Town's always known what you did for business so why should it matter now? You're a pillar of the community, Karina. No one's run you out and even if they tried, I know that more people would stand with you, than against you."

I clasp her other hand, keeping both in mine as I lean forward and softly say, "If you don't run, Karina, then someone else will and I'd really like for Excolo have two good choices, instead of one. It's our town, Karina. Who's going to look out for it, if we don't?"

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

"The same thing you've always done, Karina: be as gracious and lovely as ever. Honestly, I'm just a simple farmer next to you and it's intimidating to face you in an election, but I will." I blush as he brushes a curl from my face, from his proximity and what he's said. "You've been in Excolo for what? Fifteen years now? Town's always known what you did for business so why should it matter now? You're a pillar of the community, Karina. No one's run you out and even if they tried, I know that more people would stand with you, than against you." I start to interrupt, insisting that what they know of him is much better than what they know of me, but Jamie takes my other hand, as well, and leans forward, speaking softly. "If you don't run, Karina, then someone else will and I'd really like for Excolo have two good choices, instead of one. It's our town, Karina. Who's going to look out for it, if we don't?"

My eyes go to our hands.

Our town. Something he and I share, yes, but it has so much meaning to me, beyond his appeal to me. This town belongs to Edmund and Jamie and people like them. And if they can support someone like me running, and include me in with the likes of them, who am I to fight that? Who doesn't want somewhere to belong, a home? Don't I deserve one after the life I've lead? I feel a tear in my eye, but it's not of pain or sadness. I'm truly touched he came to me. I smile slowly as I raise my eyes to his.

"You fight dirty," I whisper.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

She tries to interrupt and I smile, taking her hands in mine as I appeal to her good nature. She's quiet as she stares down and I watch her gently, waiting for her answer. When she looks up, I catch a bright shining in her eyes as she smiles at me and whispers, "You fight dirty."

I give her a boyish smile and comment casually, "No, that's Molly. Did I ever tell you how bossy she is?" and I chuckle before continuing, "My sister's a slave-driver."

Loosening one hand, I run it gently along her wrist, tracing the delicate bones under my fingertips. We've known each other so long and I'd never push her into something she didn't want to do but Excolo could do with someone who cared as its mayor. Karina or me, both are much better choices than Robert Reaves and I ask, "Does that mean you'll run?" and I hold my breath as I wait for her answer.

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

I look him in the eye evenly, chest tight. The stroke of his fingers on my skin makes it hard to think and hard to breathe. I feel myself leaning toward him without meaning to. He smells like honey, like always. I can't think clearly. If I didn't know Jamie, I would think he came to seduce me into doing what he wanted.

"I...," I say breathlessly, "I guess I don't have much choice." I wink at him, one of the last motions I can control.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

"I...I guess I don't have much choice."

She winks at me and I laugh as I rock back. I pat her hand, smiling as I say, "You always have a choice," and I tease her with a scolding finger as I continue, "And that's not an answer, Karina." I lean forward, squeezing her hand again as I say, "If you want my opinion, I think you should run. You're intelligent enough to handle the job and you'll definitely look much prettier than me on the campaign posters."

I smile, as I ask, "Both of us are good choices, don't you think?"

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

"I think you're a better one," I shoot back with a grin. "But I think you have a point. It's best to reduce chances another Reaves might win, a least." I laugh. "Funny how first Wanda convinced me to run and now you convince me to continue." I squeeze his hand and look into his eyes. "Thank you for the vote of confidence, Darling."

And then I do that thing I've been toying with since he appeared and really really shouldn't do. I can't help it. I lean forward slightly and kiss him.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

"I think you're a better one," and I flush again as she smiles at me. There are times when I feel like that young man from so long ago around her. "But I think you have a point. It's best to reduce chances another Reaves might win, a least." She laughs and I nod in agreement as she continues, "Funny how first Wanda convinced me to run and now you convince me to continue."

I smile, remembering the fiery redheaded tea mistress as I say, "That's two votes, Karina. Honestly, I don't see how you can refuse," and I laugh. Her hands are soft, curled into mine and she looks up, her eyes catching mine as she adds, "Thank you for the vote of confidence, Darling."

I'm about to say you're welcome when she leans forward and kisses me. I'm shocked for a second, not expecting any of this before leaning forward more fully into the kiss. Her perfume surrounds me, blending with the constant honey-scent and I smile as I cup her cheek. She's soft and inviting and I slide my other hand from her wrist to her forearm, fingers tingling from the contact.

Didn't she say she was involved?

I pull away reluctantly, not removing my hands but only leaning back as I softly say, "Karina..." I've been too forward. I know I have. "...we can't." I sigh deeply before continuing, "Don't think that I don't want to," I give her a regretful smile. "Because I really do but you already have someone special and I won't disrespect you by complicating your life."

I stroke her cheek again, fascinated with the softness before I slowly drop my hand back to hers. "If things were different and you were a single woman, I'd never refuse," I'd love to kiss her again, "But we have to set good examples as candidates."

Smiling wide, I give her a meaningful look as I say, "But you should let me know if you suddenly become single because I'll be over here immediately, trying to beat the rush of suitors to your door."

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

My heart pounds and my chest tightens--now for unpleasant reasons.

"Of course," I murmur slightly, carefully avoiding looking into his eyes or at my hands in his. Set good examples. I've never set a good example in my life. I don't intend to start, really. "No one would have to know," I say in an offhand way, as if I am quite used to rejection and have resigned myself to it like the color of the sky or of my skin. Simply how things are.

The skin of my cheek and my arm tingle where he touched them. My lips, too. I want to lean into him like he did to me, but I won't be fought off. Not like Valmont, even if that wasn't me.

I have lost my touch and my senses.

I try to control my facial muscles into a smile, but I still can't bring my eyes above Jamie's nose. At least I'm not staring at his lips, I suppose.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

Her faces freezes and the one thing that I hoped wouldn't happen, is happening. She looks away, avoiding my eyes as she says, "Of course." She pauses and then softly says, "No one would have to know."

She's right. No one would have to know except for us but I can't ignore that her beau lives here, in this very house. A man does not disrespect another in his own house. I look at Karina, as beautiful now as she ever was and I pull her into my arms as I raise her chin to my face until she looks at me.

Confessing gently, "I have someone, too. We've just started and I don't know where it's going," I have no flipping clue, "but I want to see." Oh Nanshe, she's so very beautiful and her perfume is making me dizzy. I let go of her chin, pressing my forehead against hers gently before continuing, "The council might think it's as a conflict of interest, complicating the election. Don't you see how much trouble it could cause?" I plead.

I lean back, missing the closeness immediately as I whisper, "Please don't be hurt. You're one of my dearest friends and I'd hate it if you were hurt from this."

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

Ah. A girlfriend. Not the first time a good man like Jamie has turned away from the likes of me for the chance at something...real. I nod in understanding even as I relish his warmth so close to me. I know I'm still not conveying compliance. I inhale deeply, taking in that sweet, intoxicating scent.

"The council might think it's as a conflict of interest, complicating the election. Don't you see how much trouble it could cause?" The pleading sound of his voice makes me smile at him, our foreheads touching. Not because I want to cause him distress, but because it's so endearing. I want to kiss him again. I almost do, but he pulls back before I can.

"Please don't be hurt. You're one of my dearest friends and I'd hate it if you were hurt from this," Jamie whispers, and I give him a smile, one akin to the ones I reserve for Leah but I know there's too much lust there to really compare. I raise my hand and gently trace the bone of his jaw from one ear to his chin, then look him in the eyes.

"Of course, Darling. Perhaps someday you will send me news of your own." I lean forward and press a kiss to his cheek, using all of my willpower to direct it there.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

Karina smiles at me, gently touching my face as she looks in my eyes. She looks so inviting and soft as she says, "Of course, Darling. Perhaps someday you will send me news of your own."

She leans forward, perfume and honey scents blending as she kisses my cheek. I shiver, closing my eyes, knowing that if I turned my head a few inches, she would be kissing my lips instead. I almost pull away, almost lean back but I don't and before I know it, she's close to my chest and ...I'm kissing her.

Reluctantly, I pull away from her, flushing as I shake my head. I cup her face in both hands, whispering desperately as I plead, "We can't. I want to..." I look away, pausing before I say, "but I respect you, Karina. I'm sorry that I was so forward. Please forgive me."

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

I'll admit, his kiss takes me by surprise. I take in a quick breath and melt into his chest, savoring the brief, brief moment. My eyes are closed when he pulls back and they don't open until he touches my face, I'm so...I don't know how to describe it.

"We can't. I want to..." He looks away from me, "but I respect you, Karina. I'm sorry that I was so forward. Please forgive me."

"No one forced you," I say softly, even though I feel like I must have. The way I feel, the way he's acting, someone's forcing this and I don't think it's him. "Of course you're forgiven, Darling," I say a little louder and bring my hand up to grasp one of his.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

"No one forced you," and I smile as she continues, "Of course you're forgiven, Darling." Her hand slides into mine and I say, "No one did," and I keep her close as I laugh softly and continue, "So it must be you. I've always thought you were beautiful. Is it so hard to believe that I could want to be with you?"

Teasing her and say, "And I haven't heard your answer yet, about the election. I think you're being coy but I like it." Squeezing her hand, I smile wide and ask, "Will you do it? Run for Mayor and help Excolo? It would be the best news. Say you will, Karina."

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

"No one did." We're still close, even if not as close as before and I fight not to lean into him again. "So it must be you. I've always thought you were beautiful. Is it so hard to believe that I could want to be with you?" Be with me? No. Be with me like Maryk is with me? Yes. I still find it hard to believe that he does. But, then, he's no Jamie. He's like me.

"A little," I admit with a laugh.

"And I haven't heard your answer yet, about the election. I think you're being coy but I like it. Will you do it? Run for Mayor and help Excolo? It would be the best news. Say you will, Karina." How can I say no to that face? But he's already convinced me before now. I laugh.

"Yes, yes. I'll do it. And hope you win," I add with a wink.

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

She laughs softly, saying, "A little," and I smile at her, not understanding why she wouldn't think of herself as beautiful as I do.

I ask her about the election, teasing her until she laughs again, winking prettily at me as she says, "Yes, yes. I'll do it. And hope you win." I pull her into a big hug, smiling happily as I say, "Since I'm the first one to know, I get to be the first one to say it. Congratulations, Karina, and I hope you win, too."

I lean back and offer, "I'll let Toby know, unless you want to, and Molly will be thrilled when she hears." I pause, realizing how big this decision is and I say, "There's a lot to do and the election's in December. There's barely enough time to plan it all and Molly's already started cracking the whip." I smile as I continue, "I'll need to get going soon but if you get the chance, you should come by the Homestead and have a meal with us."

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

"Thank you, Darling. Congratulations and and the best of luck to you." I smile at his kind offer. "If you'll see him first, please do tell Toby." I have this bad feeling I'll be needing to make more speeches. Lovely.

"Of course. I'll make it a point to come by. It would be good to see Molly again and I can't turn down such good food." I laugh and add, "You and Edmund have so much power over me. And I think you know it!"

[jamie-kincaid.livejournal.com]

"Thank you, Darling. Congratulations and and the best of luck to you. If you'll see him first, please do tell Toby." I stand up, smiling and nodding as I agree, "Definitely. You can count on me, Karina."

I ask about her visiting the Homestead and she's bright and warm as she replies, "Of course. I'll make it a point to come by. It would be good to see Molly again and I can't turn down such good food." My smile widens and I say, "I'll let Molly know. I'll bet she makes something special for you." She laughs, adding, "You and Edmund have so much power over me. And I think you know it!"

I laugh along with her, saying, "Maybe Edmund knows but I didn't." I think of Edmund as we move to the door, "I'll bet he doesn't either, Karina. Your feminine ways have always been a mystery to us, simple men that we are."

I smile once more, hugging her tightly before opening the door and saying, "Thank you for having me in, Karina. Enjoy the candy and have a wonderful day. I know I'm going to, thanks to you." I lean forward, kissing her cheek once before heading out.

[karina-vb.livejournal.com]

I just grin at him and accept his kiss, squeezing his hands in mine before he leaves.

Strange, strange day. I smile to myself. But a good one.

I shut the door and clean up the living room before going to find Leah and Maryk.