Page 45 of Dragon Charmed

Evelyn got out of the car, and Lily clambered out of her seat and slipped her hand into Tessa’s. Holding her little hand warmed Tessa’s heart. This girl was precious. They walked up the steps and the door opened. Marcus came out to greet them.

“Evelyn and Lily, this is Marcus, one of my friends. He makes sure everyone is safe here.”

“It’s good to meet you both. Do you need me to grab bags?”

“Yes, they’re in the trunk. Can you also bring Lily’s backpack too.”

“Okay. The others should be out in a moment.”

As if in answer to his words, Eric, Megan, and Sienna joined them on the front steps, and Tessa introduced them all.

Megan smiled at them. “It’s wonderful to meet you. We’re glad you’ve come to stay with us for a while.”

“Thank you for having us,” Evelyn said.

“Let’s get you all inside.” Sienna gestured for them to come into the house.

Evelyn and Lily took in the two-story foyer with the staircase. Tessa remembered the first time she came to the large house and how overwhelming it could be. She squeezed Lily’s hand, and the little girl smiled up at her.

Sienna spoke up. “We have rooms for you both. They’re next door to each other since we thought you two would want to be close. Our cook, Marilyn, wants to know what kind of food you like. She also is an awesome baker and can make any dessert you like.”

Lily’s eyes lit up. Tessa chuckled at her excitement. A girl after her own heart…or was it stomach? “Oh Lily, you are in for a treat. Marilyn makes the best desserts. Knowing her, she might have some cookies already made for you.”

Lily smiled and then looked around the room.

“What are you looking for, sweetheart? I can take you to the kitchen if you want a treat.”

Lily shook her head. She pointed at Megan.

“That’s Megan. She’s my best friend.”

Lily pointed to her again and then brought her arms together across her middle and rocked them back and forth. Tessa didn’t need Evelyn to explain what she meant since it was self-evident, and it made goose bumps run up Tessa’s arms.

But Evelyn chimed in since no one responded. “She’s asking where your baby is.”

Tessa shook her head. “I didn’t tell her, Megan.”

Megan nodded and then smiled at Lily. “Bella is taking a nap right now. You can meet her later.”

Lily smiled and then signed something.

Evelyn chuckled. “She just asked about cookies.”

“Why don’t I take you to the kitchen?” Sienna volunteered. “Marilyn can get you set up with a snack and find out what you both like to eat. Then we’ll show you your rooms later.”

Evelyn reached for Lily’s hand. “That sounds great. Let’s go meet Marilyn.”

Once Sienna led them away, Tessa followed Eric, Megan, and Marcus to the office. They all gaped at her for a moment.

“I know. She’s a wonderful little girl with a powerful gift.”

Eric and Marcus exchanged looks as they all sat. “Start from the beginning on her power. You really didn’t go into details last night on the phone.”

Tessa explained about the drawings that Evelyn had described as well as the two drawings that Lily made of Tessa and Ben before Lily had met them. “She has the oracle mark on her shoulder. I haven’t seen the marks on her back, but Evelyn confirmed that she has them.”

“Where do you think she came from?” Megan asked her husband.

Eric shook his head. “I don’t have a clue.”