A Pleasant Send Off

The time had come for Danielle to leave. Danielle was handling it better than I'd hoped. Madison was handling it well enough. They promised to video chat everyday. Calls and texts would be exchanged as much as possible. All the promises are made of not missing a minute of each other's lives that we all know are not possible. Still, it shows how much they love each other. Sisters, always.

The committee from the Council was coming through town to the pack house. Danielle, prim and proper, with a pixie haircut that showed off her big brown eyes and heart-shaped face, bright yellow and white patterned blouse, brown suit jacket and flared knee-length skirt, with modest shoes with only a slight heel. She looked to me like she was going to school, not to work in politics.

As they came into view, there was a woman in a weathered, but presentable blue and white flowered dress. She has Hispanic features and long hair in a bun, while her eyes were the exact same as her daughters'. "Momma!" shouts Danielle, as she breaks the spell of boring decorum and turns the event into a family reunion.

With Danielle's mom are some of the Councillors. The green-haired Fae, whom I have learned was Rosebloom Greengrass, brought her daughter, Thistle, who was named by Danielle. Thistle insisted to be held by Danielle until she and her mother were introduced to almost everyone in the pack. Thistle's hair was mostly green like her mother's with pink tips. She had big blue eyes and there was a golden shimmer to her otherwise paper-white skin. She looked to be the size of a human 7-year-old, but was only three. Thistle kept stealing glances at Jenny, who was holding Danielle's hand whenever possible.

Also included were my grandmother and Councillor Mao. "Jamirul and I wanted to see you in a less formal setting," Grandma Meghan admitted. "We didn't want to wait until the wedding."

"Will you walk me down the aisle?" I blurt out before thinking.

I see the tears in her eyes and I have my answer. "I would love to walk my granddaughter down the aisle. It would be an honor." I hugged her tightly and Councillor Mao gave me a thumbs up.

"Come. We have tea, coffee and scones for you. I hope it will be a strong enough for you." I direct this at Councillor Mao. Madison had told me that he liked strong coffee and tea. He laughs as we make our way to the atrium.

Madison had the tea, coffee, three types of scones and set up in the atrium on a buffet table. chairs were set up around small tables throughout the atrium, making for a comfortable atmosphere. Danielle was set up in the front and everyone stopped by her table for a quiet farewell. Jenny sat by her side or refilled her tea whenever it was empty. I had never seen Jenny this quiescent. They were obviously a happy couple.

Also leaving with Danielle were Amber, Joyce's daughter, who became essential to Danielle's education and socialization. Derek Cross, and his mate Kirsten, were going to be Danielle's Archivist team. Annie and Tish were to reorganize and train the kitchen staff. All of them respected Danielle and would give her a solid familial link to our pack, yet would provide for her like her own pack.

Joyce came to visit. She had decided to sell the business and the house and join her daughter as a Council kitchen staff member. "I want to thank you for everything. I have completely stolen your recipes for chili, cornbread and burgoo."

"We used to call it Mulligan Stew," my Grandmother Meghan chimes in with a smile. "It sounded more Irish."

I smile myself. "I am so glad you have found a place to be safe, no matter what. You are now so removed from where you were, no one will know how to find you."

"And loathe be the one who tries to find friends of a Council Member." I see the green ice form in my Grandmother's eyes, so similar to mine. Joyce and Amber will be safe, and I am relieved.

"Ah, Blaire!" my grandmother calls out. "I wanted to talk to you about the wedding!" She stands to catch up with Blaire, whom I had not noticed was flitting around making sure that everyone was comfortable with tea and coffee filled.

Blaire glances at me and smiles, but the smile doesn't reach the eyes. 'I need to talk to you later, please.' I put hope and acceptance and gratitude into the simple message. Her smile brightens, less wary.

Edward, Keith, Leo and Kevin are all in a corner, watching and conversing. "Why don't you go mingle with the guys for a minute?" I ask Councillor Mao. "What should I call you?"

"What would you like to call me? I'm not your father, although we were college roommates and good friends..."

"Well, Natalie has a tendency for nicknames, and she has come up with 'G-pa Jam."

Councillor Mao laughs. "Your father called me Jamil, which means handsome, when my name really means brave and strong. He told me he didn't want my head to be too swollen for the room. Your daughter reminds me of him; strong, capable and just a little unconventional. But, you are correct, I do love a male gossip session." He winks at me as he rises to join the men. His presence gives me the comfort of a father figure.

I revel in the rest of the tea session. As the guests and Danielle's entourage gather to leave, it has become a bright, hopeful occasion. Hugs are exchanged and Joyce has become friends with my grandmother. Jamirul Mao has befriended Edward and Keith. Amber, Annie and Tish were excitedly talking about kitchen duties and recipes with Danielle and Jenny. Derek and Kirsten were talking with Councillor Mao about open access to his Archives with his Archivist's permission.

"They have a lot of work in their future," Edward puts his arm around my shoulders. He sounded tired but content.

I notice the couples around us. Madison has tears in her eyes, while Kevin is holding her from behind. Natalie has a nervous expression, while Leo has his arm around her shoulders, holding her close. Andrew and Blaire Cross have their arms around each other with anxious expressions on their faces, as they watch the vehicles leave. Even Trey, with his mate, Alicia, seem a little lost, watching his brother and her friend leave without knowing how they will get by without the other. Keith and Claudia look like proud parents watching their kids go off to college.

"So do we." I refer to the work ahead. I hope we find answers in the research that can answer why someone is after me and my daughters.

....

"Blaire, do you have a minute?" I asked while we were cleaning up.

She seemed nervous. "Yes, Luna."

"Good. Let's borrow Edward's office." I smile, trying to make her more comfortable. I had already cleared it with Edward to give me a few minutes in his office, away from prying eyes. I leave the door mostly closed, so that I could ask Claudia to join us when she has a moment, but not too soon.

"I know what you have been doing for me. I can only guess as to why." I feel that diving in is better than to leave her hanging, waiting for repercussions. "I want to say thank you for everything. I know how hard you have been working and remaining in the background. I know that my wedding will be a huge success because of you."

Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm sorry if I've overstepped my bounds...."

"Nonsense!" I cut her off before she completes her apology. "You have nothing to apologize for. You have taken control of something that I was unable to concentrate on or make decisions for. You took the initiative and contacted my grandmother." I took a breath before continuing. "Did you hear that I have asked her to walk me down the aisle?"

"Yes, I did," she started to smile. "I have her and Councillor Mao seated with Andrew and I at a side table."

"I don't know if that will work," I say with a smile. "I thought that my matron-of-honor is supposed to be by my side. That is, if you will do me the honor?" Her confused look told me that it didn't sink in. "Will you be my matron-of-honor?"

"Yes!" she grabbed me in a hug and started to cry. "Wait. What about Claudia?"

"What about me?" Claudia walked in, perfect in her timing. "I have too much to do with the menu and the dresses. Plus, I'm sitting next to my husband, on the other side of Edward. You can seat the kids with the Grandma Meghan and call it the family table."

"That sounds perfect. You next to me and Andrew next to you and Keith and Claudia on the other side of Edward."

"I'm sorry I haven't been a very good Gamma..." Blaire starts again.

"I know. You don't know how to start with a new Luna when you heart still belongs to the former one. We can start by getting to know one another. With your support, and Claudia's, we can be known for our epic parties!"

"Let me start with the surprises for y'all's wedding." Her eyes began to sparkle with mischief. "You will be the Belle of the Ball! I insist on doing your hair!"