Two's Company, Three's Love

Happy

Regan and Dena talked for a few minutes before he bid everyone a good night. He said he was going to bring in the paint and samples into the foyer for Amarelle. She thanked him as he opened his arms to give her a hug. Cerise wanted a hug too so he knelt down to hug the young girl. Dena tossed the salad then took the chopping board and knife to the sink. She checked on the garlic bread and then said dinner was about ready.

Amarelle told Cerise they needed to wash their hands before they ate. Dena watched as the purple-headed woman helped the four-year-old wash her hands in the kitchen sink, dry them, and then get settled at the table. Amarelle then washed her hands and asked what she could do. Dena smiled and told her where the plates and silverware were. Once the table was set for the three of them, Dena began bringing the rest of the meal to the table.

Dena had to smile as Amarelle got Cerise a glass of milk. The young girl was giggling as the two women finally set down for their dinner. Dena said grace before they ate.

"My daughter Emily is dying to meet you in person. When you had that week off and Tim came down, she pestered him to tell her all about you." Dena chuckled as she passed the salad bowl to her daughter-in-law.

"Oh my. I wasn't really expecting to be meeting any of his family while I was here." Ama nervously chuckled.

"Well, you are married to my son, correct?" Dena smiled, "Most of the family don't really accept the relationship as you have it. His sister was more curious about how it works than anything. And she wants to meet the woman who stole her brother's heart."

"Ama? Can I have some bread?" Cerise pointed to the plate of garlic bread.

"Oh of course, sweetie!" Amarelle reached to grab the plate and let the girl pick a piece of bread.

"I must say how adorable it is you two are dressed so much alike." Dena grinned.

"I set my clothes out for the day and then she decided she wanted to dress like me." Ama glanced over at the little girl.

"Ama? Will you read to me after supper?" Cerise suddenly asked making Amarelle immediately look over to her.

"Of course I will! You need a bath tonight, though. How about after dinner I give you a bath and then we can read?" Ama stated.

Cerise smiled and nodded her head yes making both women smile. Dena asked Ama questions just wanting to get to know the young woman better. Amarelle laughed at some of the stories Dena told her about Tim growing up. She promised to show the younger woman photos of baby Tim which Ama couldn't wait to see! Ama said she'd clean up after dinner since Dena had cooked but the older woman wouldn't allow it since Cerise needed a bath.

Amarelle finally relented and took Cerise into the bathroom to give her a bath. While Cerise was getting out of her clothes, Ama was running a bath. Before allowing the young girl to get into the tub, the older woman went to get the girl's pajama's out of her little suitcase. Cerise was giggling as Ama carefully washed the girl's hair. Dena stood in the doorway silently watching how Amarelle interacted with the four-year-old. She noted how careful Ama was with Cerise. The little girl wanted Ama to read to her, so the bath ended quickly.

Dena made her way back to the kitchen to finish cleaning up before finding a seat in the living room. A little while later, Cerise's happy squeals could be heard as she ran into the living room. Amarelle followed shortly holding a book in her left hand and a teddy bear in her right. The unique woman sat down in the recliner across from where Dena was sitting. Cerise climbed into Ama's lap and got settled.

As Ama began to read the book, Cerise took her bear and held it tightly to her chest. She leaned against Amarelle as she read. Dena took her phone out and snapped a candid photo of the pair before sending it to her son. 'She is definitely mother material! She's so good with Cerise. And Cerise has really taken to her!' Dena thought as she watched the pair across from her. Half-way through the second story, Cerise was having a hard time keeping her eyes open. When Ama was finished with the story, she told Dena she was going to go lay Cerise down.