Page 43 (1/2)

"Master and I were just talking the other day about how the Partners in Play group needed a home base"

"Yes, he told oing to be a partner, Master?"

"I’h"

My heart swelled because I kneas letting Luke know in a not at all subtle way that he valued my opinion and we made such decisions jointly

"Off the top of my head, I can’t think of a reason you shouldn’t do it"

"Good," he said "We can talk about it a little later, but I agree, I couldn’t find any reason not to Daniel’s been very accoroup use his house so frequently, but I just think it would be better to have a centralized location that isn’t a personal residence"

"Especially now that Julie’sper anywhere, and I hadn’t heard he was looking for a residence, either

"Yes, it’s a lot for one person"

"If you like," Luke said, "I can send you soreat" Nathaniel wiped his mouth with his napkin and looked at the table My eyes followed suit It appeared that everyone had finished eating

"Can I get you anything else, Master DeVaan?" I asked

"No, thank you I’m afraid I couldn’t eat another bite Thank you for the delicious dinner"

"You’re welcome" I turned to Nathaniel "May I be excused to clear the table?"

"Yes," he said "Just put everything in the sink for now I know you’ll want to stop and check on Elizabeth and Henry, so meet us in the playroo on"

"Thank you, Master" I gathered up the dishes and utensils and carried theht of going into the playroom with someone else there

On my way, I passed by the roo area out of pillows and were reading a book before bed that they’d read at least two hundred tiot to one of our favorite parts and both kids hoith laughter I saw Henry pop his thumb in his mouth A few row heavy

It was odd walking into the playrooht was odd Lynne being here with the kids Knowing it wouldn’t be justinfor Luke

The twosoftly and soh I was surprised at the relief that swept overthey were jovial, andposition