~* Love Is... *~ “Ah, speaking of musicians,” Jane spoke up hesitantly. Moira, there’s something I need to tell you.” Moira turned to face Jane, who had a positively guilty look on her face. “Moira, I’m so sorry. When you said there was no way you’d be able to make it to the wedding, I started to plan a surprise for both Linda, and for you.” Moira’s expression shifted from confusion to concern. “Jane, what’s going on?” She exhaled slowly. “This was supposed to happen in private. I’m so, so sorry.” Before she could continue though, an older female voice, with a distinct, strong Irish brogue called out hesitantly from the lobby door. “Moira?”

---

I awoke barely past seven, yet already running late. I had trouble getting to sleep the night before for all the excitement. Margie poked her head in my room just as I gathered the clothes I’d wear prior to changing at the chapel. We agreed a few nights back that since we'd be in formalwear all day anyway we may as well go casual prior to the ceremony.

“Oh, good, you’re up. Mom just called to let us know there was a problem with the caterers. One of their trucks broke down so the reception’s going to be moved up about twenty minutes.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem though, should it?”

She shook her head. “Not as long as the entertainment doesn’t mind doing an extra session. She’s handling it. How are you handling all this?”

I managed a weak chuckle as I approached her. “I’m okay. I’m just glad it’s you that has the stress of Maid of Honor and not me.”

Margie giggled. “It’s a fantastic honor, but Mom’s actually made my job pretty easy. All I have to do is get your mom there on time and make sure you girls are ready. Go ahead and get your shower. Linda’s next door having coffee with Carol and Joe, so you still have some time.” I wrapped Margie in a one-armed hug, balancing my clothes in my other hand. After leaning up to kiss her cheek, I dashed into the bathroom.

I found Margie downstairs, standing by the range next to a large cooking pot, and Allison in the rattiest pair of sweats she owned, her backside propped against the kitchen counter with a spoon in her mouth.

“Wow, Margie this is great! Robin you have to try the oatmeal!”

Margie stifled a giggle. “Actually, it’s Robin’s own recipe. I just followed it. Thanks though. I’m glad I got it right,” she offered, scooping up a ladleful and gently pouring it into a fresh bowl to offer to me. I happily accepted the dish, taking a spot next to Allison.

“Thanks Margie. You’re the best,” I answered. Allison tilted her head as though she wanted to ask me something. She had always been forward and direct about what was on her mind so the meekness kind of worried me.

“So is Nikki okay? About the concert I mean?” she asked hesitantly.

I smiled as I nodded. “I talked to her last night about it. She’s still scared, but I think she really wants to do it. She asked me something that kind of surprised me though,” I mused as I set my oatmeal aside. “C’mon upstairs with me? I need to get my makeup and stuff.”

I waited until we were in my room before I continued. “She asked if this is what it’s like when I get talked into doing crazy stuff, like Girl Scouts and basketball.”

Allison laughed. “I guess the shoe’s on the other foot now, huh? What did you tell her?”

“I told her that I wanted to do all that stuff, or I never would’ve done it. I reminded her that I hadn’t always been a girl, and,” I paused. Allison started to scowl, but I cut her off. “She told me that I had always been a girl. I just hadn’t realized it until I met you.”

Allison swatted my shoulder playfully. “You’re darn right!”

I smiled as I grabbed my garment bagged gown, tossing my makeup kit into my now empty purple backpack next to my heels and hoisting it over my shoulder. “She said she feels the same way, despite her fear, that it’s something she genuinely wants to do just to have the experience.”

“I’m glad you were there for her. As much as I love her, I know there are some things she’s just not ready to let me, or anyone else, in about.”

“You’re still her BFF though,” I offered. Allison grinned at that.

“Yeah, I know. I just meant that what you share is different, y’know? It’s not a bad thing. I’m kind of jealous, but not because I want that with Nikki. I just want to have that kind of relationship with someone someday.”

“You will, Ally. I promise. You’ll find Mr. Right — or for that matter, Ms. Right.”

She stuck her tongue out then giggled. “Yeah, um, no. I love that you found each other, and I totally respect and love you both like sisters, but the thought of kissing a girl just feels wrong for me. I can’t help it. I like boys.”

“It’s okay. You can’t help who you’re attracted to any more than I or Nikki can. I don’t even know if I like all girls in general, to be honest. I just know that I love Nikki in a way that I’ve never felt about anybody.”

“Robin?” Mom called from downstairs. Allison and I giggled.

“Sorry,” I offered, then called back, “Coming!”

~oOo~

When we arrived at the church, Jane’s car and another handful, probably staff, were already there. I hadn’t seen the inside since the decorators had visited Thursday, and when I stepped inside, the main hall took my breath away.

A red carpet with ornate gold trim had been rolled down the length of the main aisle, and at the front, near the altar, a latticed archway dotted with different types of red and white flowers awaited the happy couple.

“Oh, Jane,” I heard Mom gasp as she entered behind me. Seconds later, a camera flash from the right caught my attention, followed by a lilted, quiet giggle from Regina.

“Sorry, but I needed to be sure I got the settings right. This is a new L series lens, just for this occasion. My boss rocks.”

I had no idea what an ‘L series lens’ was, but it looked expensive, so as I smiled and approached her, I wrapped her in a more-than-careful hug. “It’s okay. How are you this morning?”

“Nervous,” she answered. “I’ve done weddings before, but nothing this fancy. I can’t believe Jane wanted me instead of someone more experienced. Where are the other bridesmaids?”

“They should be here soon.”

I turned around to ask what time we needed to start getting ready, only to find Margie and Jane had already absconded with Mom. Allison still stood in the doorway though, admiring the décor. She approached as I turned back to Regina. The photographer wiggled her fingers lightly at Allison

“Let me know when you’re all dressed. I need to take group and single photos of you all as well as the bride and maid of honor before the ceremony. It’s tradition, I think.” she added as Allison and I turned to leave to find out where we were supposed to change.

Just as we left the main hall behind, we very nearly literally bumped into Reverend Payne. The older man smiled almost jovially at us. “Good morning girls.”

“Good morning,” Allison and I responded in unison, causing him to chuckle warmly.

“You two are like twins, you know? My twin nephews do that simultaneous-response thing too. Drives their mother insane. Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Actually we were just about to go find Linda,” Allison answered. “We’re not really sure where we’re supposed to go to change.”

“Oh, yes of course.” He stepped back and slightly to the side, pointing to an offshoot hallway. “Just follow that hall down two doors. The next door on your right is where the bride and her wedding procession gather. It’s connected by a bathroom to the next farthest room, so you’re welcome to use either one, or both.”

“Thanks!” we again answered in unison. We turned to look at each other for only a moment before we started giggling and hurried down the hall. We knocked at the first of the two aforementioned doors. Jane pulled it open just a crack, but on seeing us, opened it wider.

“Come in girls. We were wondering where you went.”

Jane quickly ushered us inside. Mom sat patiently at a small, round table. Makeup and hair paraphernalia lay neatly organized in front of her as well as a plethora of different small fake flowers, presumably for hair accents. She also had a steaming cup of what appeared to be herbal tea in one hand. She smiled as she raised her mug.

“Try the tea. It’s wonderful for the nerves,” she offered. Jane gave a sage nod as she smiled.

“It’s an old trick, that, but it works well. I’ve been around enough blushing brides to know that calming the nerves early makes everything go more smoothly later. I brought a large thermos though, so feel free to help yourselves if you need it.”

“I think I’ll try some,” Allison replied.

“You’re nervous too?” I asked, as I followed her over to the small counter.

“God yes. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“That makes me feel better. I guess I’ve at least had Homecoming.”

Once Margie stepped out of the bathroom, Jane instructed us to go ahead and change while she and Margie helped Mom into her gown. At school I automatically went to the Coaches’ private bathrooms to change, but to be honest, I never really thought about the ‘why’ anymore. Even now I was more concerned with wiggling my way into my gown to give a second thought to anyone else present.

They didn’t seem to notice either. Poor Allison was having difficulty with her gown not wanting to hang against her body quite right. I finally stepped over and gave it a gentle tug, causing it to drop into place. She gave an exasperated sigh and smiled.

“Thanks. I knew I shouldn’t have eaten that donut yesterday.”

Jane chuckled quietly as she glanced at us. “Nonsense. The midriff is very clingy so it takes a little adjusting. It looks fantastic on you both though.”

Not long after, Jennifer and Nicole arrived, and after we helped them into their gowns, we sat down to start on each others’ makeup. Jane and Margie had Mom’s hair and makeup well in-hand, so we focused on making each other look as natural as possible, though Jane was kind enough to offer us a few pointers on how to apply makeup for a formal ceremony like this.

By now, our precious flower girl Amanda had joined us. Just as Jane was placing floral accents in our hair, someone knocked at the door. Margie cracked the door open, pulling it further a moment later to let Regina inside. This meant it was time to put on our heels. Ugh.

Allison pulled Nicole to her feet. She shot her a playful smile as we waited for Regina’s instructions as to where we were supposed to stand. “Any last words before the last vestiges of goth are forever shattered?”

Nicole giggled, leaning over to kiss Allison’s cheek. “Say cheese?” She grinned proudly. “This is the only time I’ll ever be smiling about wearing lavender in public though so don’t get too used to it,” she teased.

“Smile!” Regina commanded, but cheerfully, as we stood with Margie for the first of several photos. After we had taken the last one with Mom in front of her wedding procession, I stepped over, grabbing Jane gently by the arm and pulling her back to us.

“We can’t let you get away without being recognized too,” I insisted. Jane started to blush, but she smiled proudly as she stood next to Mom for the final photo.

“Alright, that’s everything I needed,” Regina said, stepping closer. “Linda, I just want to say you look absolutely beautiful. I’m so happy for you.” She smiled warmly before turning to leave.

Amanda nodded. “She’s right. You look like a Princess!”

Mom stifled a giggle as Jane glanced at the small gold watch on her wrist, and then at the large white clock on the wall. Mom knelt to hug Amanda. “Thank you sweetheart. I’m so happy you agreed to be our flower girl.”

“Alright, show time,” Jane reluctantly interrupted the touching scene. She smiled apologetically before continuing. “Everyone know their positions?”

Jennifer spoke up first. “I go in first as the farthest from the bride, then Ally, Nikki and Robin, followed by Margie, and then Amanda?”

“Correct. After that I’ll escort Linda down the aisle and take my seat.”

Mom turned to Jane, wrapping her in a hug. “Thank you so much for escorting me, Jane. If Dad were alive I know he wouldn’t miss this for anything.”

“You’ve been good to Margie all these years Linda. I’m only sorry I didn’t get in touch with you sooner. I’ve missed watching your little girl grow up.” They both turned to look at me, Jane smiling proudly. “She’s become such a beautiful young woman. I hope to work on her wedding dress some day.” She cleared her throat. “Dresses, if the case presents itself.” She winked at Nicole. Margie giggled, motioning for the door.

“Okay, let’s not keep Ash waiting.”

I actually didn’t know until we arrived outside the main hall, how many of the guests for the bride’s side would be there. I invited a few friends from school, and Mom invited her coworkers of course, and the other girls’ parents would naturally be there, but a lot of Ash’s family had come too, including his parents, aunts and uncles and their children, and friends from in and out of town.

As the doors opened, I immediately spotted Moira, Kristen, Jessica, and Lucia. I had to bite my tongue to keep from giggling as I realized the ushers had seated them with my friends from Girl Scout camp, Natalie and Rachel, and their parents.

I waited patiently, counting the pews to the time of the wedding march. Rather than something like Wagner's Bridal Chorus, Jane had selected Canon D for the string quartet to play. My mind raced as I waited. Nicole started down the aisle, which left only me, Margie, and Amanda. I counted out six pews as Jane had instructed, then on the next beat of the music I stepped forward.

I could feel everyone’s eyes on me as I slowly walked down the aisle. I tried to smile, focusing on the altar. Ash looked so handsome, but he had shaven off his beard so I barely recognized him. His brother-in-law, my future uncle, stood by his side as his best man.

Finally I reached the front, turning to take my place by Nicole’s side. My heart absolutely swelled with pride as Amanda started next, dropping rose and lilac petals on the red carpet from a little white basket. When she reached the front, she turned around and gave a little curtsey. I covered my mouth with a gloved hand to hide my giggle. She was just so precious.

As she took her seat, Margie approached and took her place. Finally, it was Mom and Jane’s time. It took all I had in me not to start crying right there as they started down the aisle. Mom looked like an angel, her veil adding to the effect. Jane smiled and kissed her cheek as she let go of Mom’s arm to hand her off to Ash, and as they stood together under the archway, the Reverend stepped forward.

“My friends, we are gathered here in the sight of Almighty God to join these two in holy matrimony. If there is anyone here who knows why these two should not be wed, then let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

Of course, no one dared speak up and risk the wrath of Aunt Jane, even if they could find some unfathomable reason why these two didn’t deserve to be together. He smiled, continuing.

“Marriage is a sacred bond. It is a bond of trust, of love, of friendship, and joy. It is a promise to spend the rest of your natural lives together, but it is also a gift to one another.”

He paused and smiled, nodding to Aaron and Margie. “The rings, please.”

Aaron produced a jewelry box which he opened, passing one ring to the Reverend. Margie had the ring Mom would give Ash hidden behind her flowers, handing it off as well. “Do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and hold, to love, protect, and honor, so long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Ash answered without hesitation.

“And do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and hold, to love, protect, and honor, so long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Mom answered with a proud, broad smile.

Reverend Payne carefully handed them the rings. “The couple have prepared their own vows which they will now recite. Please proceed.”

Ash smiled as he took Mom’s hand. “From the moment we met, I knew I wanted to know you better. I wanted to know the woman who raised such a strong, caring daughter. I wanted to be there for you, as you’ve been there for her. I love you Linda, as I’ve never loved anyone else.”

He gently slid the ring on her finger then bowed to kiss the back of her hand. She sniffed as she smiled, absently dabbing at her eye with her free hand.

“I’ve never met anyone like you. When I married the first time, I did it for all the wrong reasons, and I vowed that I would never do it again. My baby’s happiness is everything to me, but she helped me to realize that you care as much as I do. I love you, and we are both very proud to have you join our family.” She slid the ring onto his finger, continuing to hold his hand as they turned back to Reverend Payne.

He smiled, extending his hands outward. “Blessed be this marriage, in the sight of Almighty God. By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

A chorus of cheers and applause went up as Ash took Mom in his arms. They stared into each other’s eyes for a brief moment, before he leaned forward to softly kiss her. I couldn’t hold it in anymore and started crying. Nicole turned to hug me, before we all moved to follow Mom and Ash out the door. We needed to be at the hotel for the reception before the guests started to arrive.

Luckily, two white limos awaited us. While Mom and Ash climbed into the first, bearing a large ‘JUST MARRIED!’ sign on the back, the girls and I, with Jane and Margie climbed into the second. I wanted to stay and mingle for just a little bit, but a bridesmaid’s duty is to her bride, after all, especially if she’s your mother!

~oOo~

We arrived at the hotel a short time later, and, to my great surprise, it was the same one where we held Nicole’s birthday party a few months earlier. The receptionist quickly motioned us over as we stepped inside. I recognized her from that day, as well. She rather liked my handling of the press that day.

“You must be the Rogers party? The ballroom is ready if you wish to go ahead. I believe the entertainment’s set up crew are just finishing up if you’d like to go on inside. The caterers are behind-schedule, but everything else is in order.”

Jane shot Mom and Ash a smile. “You two go on ahead. I’ll be there shortly. I need to wait to have a word with the musicians.”

“Of course, Jane,” Ash replied. “Thank you again for everything.”

Mom and Ash turned to walk down the near hall just as Kristen entered. She stopped at the door, holding it open for Moira to hobble inside, followed quickly by their other two bandmates. The four of them approached us, and after a round of supportive hugs, Moira spoke up.

“Hope we’re not too early. Last time we stayed in this hotel Rita took us out on the town and showed us the back roads in case we needed to get out in a hurry.” She smiled cheerfully.

“Not at all!” I replied as cheerfully. “We’re just about to head over to the ballroom to kind of hang out and unwind for a few seconds before the musicians get here.”

“Ah, speaking of musicians,” Jane spoke up hesitantly. Moira, there’s something I need to tell you.” Moira turned to face Jane, who had a positively guilty look on her face.

“Moira, I’m so sorry. When you said there was no way you’d be able to make it to the wedding, I started to plan a surprise for both Linda, and for you.”

Moira’s expression shifted from confusion to concern. “Jane, what’s going on?”

She exhaled slowly. “This was supposed to happen in private. I’m so, so sorry.” Before she could continue though, an older female voice, with a distinct, strong Irish brogue called out hesitantly from the lobby door.

“Moira?”

We all turned to see a taller woman in her early forties, dressed in a long, formal silver gown. She had a violin case in one hand that she nearly dropped when she saw Moira’s cast. “Oh Saints above, what’ve y’done to yourself?” she asked as she rushed over. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around Moira’s neck. The bassist, for her part, stared in stunned silence.

“M-mother?!”

“My poor baby,” she cooed. “What happened to you?”

Moira stammered. “W-what are you doing here?”

Jessica flinched, motioning quickly to Lucia and Kristen to follow her lead. The three of them disappeared, leaving us with Aunt Jane.

“Jane hired us to play the Rogers’ wedding,” she answered honestly. Moira scowled at Jane, but the woman quickly leapt to her defense. “I only said yes because I thought I’d get to speak with you in private one last time.”

Jane quickly nodded. “Moira, I swear, I had no idea you would be coming to the wedding or I would never have set this up.”

I hesitantly stepped forward. “This is partly my fault too. I’m the one who talked Moira into coming last night.” I reached out to put my hand on Moira’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

Moira slowly turned to face me, and after a moment or two, she shook her head. She reached out to wrap her arm around me, pulling me closer. “No, this isn’t your fault.”

She turned to the woman now. “You and I have some unfinished business, but this is neither the time nor the place. I haven’t forgiven you for defending that drunken bastard.”

She sighed. “That drunken bastard is still your father, but that was my sin. I can’t hate him though.”

“Why in high hell not?!” she practically shouted. A few guests turned to stare. She sighed, speaking in a quiet tone. “Forget it. We’ll talk later.”

She turned about-face, no easy feat on those bulky crutches, and limped off to catch up with her bandmates. The woman stared in silence as she left, slowly shaking her head.

“She’s right, y’know. Her father was an awful man, and I was too blind to see the truth ‘till it was too late.”

Nicole stepped forward, taking the woman’s free hand and giving it a light squeeze. “I know you don’t know me, but Moira’s been like a big sister to me. She and I are a lot alike, only it was both of my parents that I,” her breath caught in her throat, “That I had problems with. I'll talk to her.”

“Jane wouldn’t have tried to do this if she didn’t believe you,” I added. “Moira’s a good person. She’s just raw inside.”

“Kind of like Nikki when we first met,” Allison chimed in. “If anyone can reach Moira, it’s her.”

“Thank you, girls. I’m sorry if I’ve ruined your big day, for what it’s worth.”

I smiled as I shook my head. “You haven’t ruined anything. Mom’s happier than I’ve ever seen her. That’s the important part.”

~oOo~

The wedding reception, despite the hiccup I had inadvertently caused at the start, went without a hitch. After the banquet and toasts to the happy couple, and after the quartet played for the bride and groom’s first dance, the DJ took over, and the real dancing began. Nicole and I had danced together before, but something about today just made it feel so much more special.

We held hands as we left the dance floor, and out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Moira and her mother chatting quietly by the stage. Nicole, realizing where I was looking, giggled as she nuzzled into my shoulder.

“You’ve done it again.”

“I did?”

“Yeah. If you hadn’t asked Moira to come, I might not have been there to calm her down. They could have gone another ten years or more without speaking.”

“I’m innocent this time, and it very nearly blew up in Jane’s face.” I paused for a moment and smiled at her. It had only just sunk in what she had said. “You really do believe she’s innocent don’t you?”

Nicole’s smile broadened. “Yeah, I do. A year ago, hell six months ago, I would’ve yelled at her mom myself. I guess I’m just learning to trust that not everyone’s guilty until proven innocent. What you said about Jane helped though.”

As the reception party began to wind down, the DJ cut off the music, picking up a microphone. “Alright, ladies and gentlemen, now is the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s time for the bride to throw the bouquet! Eligible bachelorettes gather over by the stage and get ready to catch it!”

Ash had a grin that could melt the iciest heart as he helped Mom up onto the stage. Meanwhile Margie rushed over, grabbing our hands and pulling us along into the gathering of women and girls. Mom stepped to the edge of the stage, spun around, and with a mighty toss, flung her flowers over her shoulder.

They bounced right off Kelly’s face and landed in her waiting arms to a chorus of cheers and giggles.

“Congratulations to the cute blonde!” the DJ teased, adding. “What’s your name?”

“Kelly!” she answered.

“Well Kelly, you know the tradition! Whoever catches it is the next bride to be! Incidentally if you’re looking for a date next Friday,” he grinned, then waved his hand. “I’m kidding! My wife would kill me.”

A chorus of laughter followed as he passed the microphone off to Ash, who stepped up beside Mom, wrapping an arm around her waist.

“I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing our special day today. To the musicians, the caterers and DJ for making this all possible, and of course, our dear friend Jane for organizing it all.”

He paused and smiled down at me. “I also want to thank a very special young lady for bringing Linda and me together. Robin, without you we would have never met. You were already my favorite student, and I could think of no one I would rather have for a step-daughter.”

A few ‘Aww’s followed, and another round of cheers and applause. My cheeks were fiery hot for several seconds after, but they also ached from smiling. I stood with Mom and Ash as the quartet played Canon D for the guests as they filed out, until the only ones left were the girls, Margie and Kelly, Jane, the musicians, and of course, Heedless Despair.

Margie giggled as Kelly stared at the bouquet. “Don’t get any ideas, babe,” she chided Margie playfully. “I’m just getting used to going out with my best friend still.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m happy with things the way they are for now too.” Margie turned her attention to me. “So what are you going to do now, kiddo? Do you still want to stay with me for awhile?”

I nodded quickly. “Yeah, if that’s okay?”

“Of course it is sweetie,” she offered gently. I had to smile, turning to Mom and my new step-dad.

“Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I don’t want to come live with you guys. I just want to give you some time to settle in, plus I love living next door to my best friend. I’ll still come stay with you sometimes too.”

Ash smiled warmly. “I’ve been renovating one of my extra bedrooms just for you. I’ll let you decide how you want to decorate it though.”

“As long as the carpet isn’t pink,” I teased, causing Margie to lose it and start giggling.

“You’re never going to let me live that down are you sis?”

“Not on your life,” I chided.

Mom and Ash shared a glance as they held hands. Ash spoke first. “So, shall we start our honeymoon?”

“I thought you’d never ask,” she answered, leaping into his arms. He easily hoisted her up, her legs dangling over his arm as she smiled and kissed him. She looked back at me. “Robin, sweetheart, are you going to be okay for a few days?”

“Absolutely. I’ve got Margie and Kelly, and Carol’s right next door. You guys go enjoy yourselves. I’ll see you when you get back,” I insisted. Mom smiled warmly. The last I saw of either of them, she was pulling her wedding veil from her hair and letting it float to the floor behind them as he carried her over the threshold and out of the room.

Moira limped over to us a moment later. She had an incredible smile practically etched on her lips. “I’m going to spend some time catching up with Mum. It’s been three years, and she’s got a lot of explaining to do. Nikki, I’ll get someone to drive me to your house tomorrow so we can start working on that duet.”

Kristen stepped closer. “And I want to get started on the choreography as soon as possible, while I’m still sober enough to think about it. When’s a good time for you to practice?”

“Um, well Robin and Jen do tumbling on Tuesdays, and they’re probably gonna be pretty busy with cheer practice at least one other night a week after that. As long as I can keep up with my homework I guess anytime after four’s okay? I've got something else I'm working on, but it's almost ready, so,” she trailed off.

“Sounds good. The more we can practice the better, but I was thinking, maybe three nights a week, an hour a night. You know the kind of theatrics we’re into so you already know what to expect.”

Lucia added, “There’s reason I leave the crazy stuff to these three. In the immortal words of every drummer ever, ‘I just hit stuff with sticks’.” She flashed a grin, waving. “I’ll be outside when you’re ready Jess. Thanks again for inviting us Robin!” she added as she turned to step out.

“See you soon,” Kristen added, following Lucia. Jessica and Moira exchanged a glance.

“Go be with your mum. God knows you earned your stripes,” Jessica advised. She caught Moira off-guard when she leaned forward to hug her. Moira blinked a few times, but smiled.

“Thanks Jess. I’ll see you back at the hotel.”