"Welcome home," said Pearl softly, and then she smiled at Lottie before looking back to Kate, "I thought you could use a day to celebrate you, my dear sister. Ruth should be here soon too! Please do have a seat and make yourself comfortable. I have taken the liberty of asking Da what some of your favorite things are, and I also want you to know that I am glad to have two new and lovely sisters."

As if on cue, Ruth strolled in with her chubby son on her hip. The boy lit up as he saw Kate and started giving Granny hands and greeting her with exuberant cries, "Abababa!"

She smiled at her sister and offered the boy to Pearl. Pearl lit up and took the boy as Ruth moved to greet her kinfolk with kisses and hugs, as well as setting a prettily wrapped parcel up on a table full of gifts.

Pearl had used sale money to get some things for the girl, and even took the time to credit the other family members. Pearl then said, "There is plenty to eat, I had plenty to make so the things I brought could be used before it got bad, I thought why not just add to the fun? And the menfolk have been asked to stay out of this room, don't worry, they are getting fat and sassy too in the kitchen if they are here." Or so she hoped.