“Ye’re welcome,” she said as she moved to close the door behind him. She gave a chipper grin toward the little girl as she approached the two little ones who were currently burbling and flailing their little limbs. The scene was rather sweet, she thought and moved about.

She moved quickly about, then, and pulled out dishes to set the table with. Once the table was set, she carefully transferred the stew from the stove to the table along with a loaf of still-hot bread. Karen paused and looked appreciatively his way, not minding at all what she saw but keeping her opinions to herself because she was bound and determined not to get herself into nasty trouble again. “I don’t mind if she wants ta see me bairns, she may see them almost whenever she would like.” She gave pause and listened to his next words.

“Thank ye. I think everything is settled now, but I appreciate ye askin’ after me new home.” She nodded emphatically and then went on to say, “Ye came just in time fer the stew to be finished. Its chicken stew.”