Chapter Twenty-Three

A Week Later

I looked around the garden that sat nestled in a small alcove outside of the house that I had never noticed before. It was lush with flowers and stone walkways and I sighed in contentment. It was Lily's garden. May had explained to me that shortly after the accident Luka had it built for her as a place to relax and it had turned into her sanctuary.

"Such pretty hair." Lily's voice was soft as she ran her hand through Ainsley's red curls. She had taken to playing with the hair despite not remembering who Ainsley was. She loved her flaming red curls and picked through them, braiding chunks of it as she chattered on about nothing, the conversations repeating over and over again. "Reminds me of fire. Phoenixes to be specific. All those reds, oranges and scarlets." Her gaze was soft as she unravelled the braid she had made in the riotous curls. I shifted on the bench and her gaze was drawn to me. "Oh, dear. I didn't see you there. Who are you?" Her grey eyes that reminded me so much of her son were kind and gentle, if a bit confused. It was her standard expression, innocent confusion or puzzlement.

"I'm Luka's mate." I smiled at her and her hands fluttered around her face in excitement. Joy radiated off of her and it made a warmth spread through my chest. I always got a feeling of intense contentment and happiness when I told her that. Seeing her elation at the news was more than heartwarming.

"Oh! You are very pretty. He is very lucky!" Her hands fluttered around her face before reaching out to me and I took it with a smile. Her hand was delicate just like she looked and I felt a pang in my stomach at the thought of Luka watching his mother wasting away in front of him. He was very attentive to her, I knew he visited her every day and would occasionally pick her flowers or bring her little things just to make her smile. "I hope you two are happy." She squeezed my hand and I nodded.

"Very happy." It was a partial truth. Being with Luka did make me happy. It might not have been very happy but I also knew I would get there. In the past week we had talked more than we had in the past month. I learned that he had know Ezekiel for nearly twelve years and Michael for ten. He wasn't able to tell me how they had met, just that on one of his trips of going dark he had returned to himself and they were simply there.

"Oh he deserves that. Sometimes he looks so lonely. That's why he runs away from home." Lily nodded sagely and I squeezed her hand before she removed it from my grasp to touch Ainsley's hair. "Such pretty hair." Her voice was a coo as she started to play with it, the conversation she had with me more than likely fading away. I didn't mind. I got to put a smile on her face every single time she returned her attention to me. In the short week I had spent in her company, I felt a deep affection for the female who had birthed my mate. There was a sweet softness to her that reminded me of her son and it was hard not to see him in everything she did.

I found I was learning more about Luka in her presence than I did without it. I could watch her without comment and draw the connections of her behaviour to that of her son's. Like how she and him both ran their hands through their hair when nervous or stressed or they were humble to a fault and denied praise. I felt safer watching her than I did watching Luka. It was easier for me and the fact she kept telling me happy little stories about him growing up helped even more.

"Reminds me of fire. Phoenixes to be specific. All those reds, oranges and scarlets." Her thin fingers twisted the strands into a braid and I watched her before looking past the garden. The forest was almost beckoning and I glanced at Lily again.

"When was the last time you were allowed to be out in the forest?" The question escaped before I could stop it and Lily focused on unravelling the braid.

"This morning I think. I don't remember." Her face twisted in confusion before she looked at me with a surprised look. "Oh! You aren't May, who are you?" She gave me a soft smile that I returned.

"I'm Shey, Luka's mate." I watched as the brightness of joy swarmed her and I wondered how long it had been since she had actually been allowed out into the territory that had been her home for so many years. I had only see in her in her room, the kitchen, oo the garden. Not once had I seen her on a walk. I knew she had difficulties walking with how weak she was but that didn't mean she wouldn't enjoy the change of scenery.

"Oh, that is wonderful!" She clapped her hands enthusiastically and I nodded at her, smiling at her as brightly as I could. Being with her made a familial ache of missing my own mother twist my chest. I shoved it away. I didn't need to think about her.

I gave a small nod at her. "Yes it is. We are very happy."

"That is good. He deserves it. He's such a good boy." Her face turned loving as she thought of her son and I stared at her.

"Do you want to go for a walk?" I asked it carefully and her grey eyes stared at me in slight shock, as if she had not been expecting that question.

"A walk?" She tilted her head as she looked at me and I nodded.

"Yes." Perhaps it would help her out. The fresh air would maybe invigorate her or stir up some happier memories.

"A walk would be lovely." She turned back to Ainsley's and gasped in delight. "Such pretty hair!" She dug her fingers into Ainsley's hair, cooing over the vibrancy it held. Ainsley rolled her head in Lily's lap and looked at me. Her eyes were questioning but I waved her off before I stood up and quickly headed inside. It was nearing lunch time and a picnic sounded like a good idea. I knew Lily would enjoy the wistful whim of a checkered blanket and a picnic basket.

May looked up as I came in and smiled at me. "Done already, Alpha Shey?" She gestured out the door before looking around for Ainsley. I winced at the title. I wasn't her Alpha but it was better than her calling me Alpha Lazera. The first time she had said it I must have given her a rather murderous look because she looked terrified and never did it again.

"Actually no. I was wondering if maybe Lily would like to have a picnic with Ainsley and I." I clasped my hands behind my back and schooled my face to be even despite the lie. I wasn't about to ask for permission to take Lily way from the house. No one would agree to it. Besides I had a plan to go out and get back before anyone noticed we were gone.

May looked delighted by the idea. "Oh she would enjoy that immensely! What a lovely idea. I will get you a blanket and a basket of food right away." She smiled at me brightly and I felt almost a little guilty about lying to her but I felt like they were smothering Lily. The female never left the house or the garden. May left the room quickly and I moved over to the dresser and opened it, looking for a heavier sweater for the fragile shifter.

It wasn't cold out but the clouds in the sky could drop the temperature enough to give her a chill. I found a thick knitted cardigan and pulled it out. It looked good enough to hold back a slight breeze and keep her warm. I headed outside and Lily was still playing with Ainsley's hair and I held gently placed the cardigan around her shoulder. She jumped slightly and curious and confused grey eyes looked up at me.

"It might get cold out." I smiled down at her and she slid her arms through the sweater sleeves. I nodded in approval.

"Oh, thank you." She beamed up at me before a heavier confusion marred her features. "Who might you be?" Her grey eyes were swirling with confusion and bits of frustration.

"My name is Shey. I'm Luka's mate." At my words she smiled, like the sun creeping out behind grey clouds, it spread across her face slowly but was nearly blinding in its brilliance.

"Oh! You are so beautiful! He deserves a mate. He needs to have someone close to him." She touched my hand and I grasped it in mine gently, giving it a soft squeeze. "That's why he is always leaving the house. My Richard doesn't understand but my pup just needs to have someone." Her eyes became tinged with sadness, the emotion darkening them slightly. Ainsley shifted her head in Lily's lap as if sensing her distress. Lily noticed the movement and looked down in surprise. "Oh such pretty hair! Its like fire. Reminds me of phoenixes!" She quickly buried her fingers in the multi-toned hair that was spread over her lap. She relaxed as she ran her fingers through Ainsley's springy curls. I watched her for a few minutes as she deftly braided Ainsley's hair and unravelled the braids when she had too many.

I heard the door to Lily's room open and I quickly moved back inside. May was holding a small picnic basket and a checkered blanket over her arm. She smiled at me brightly. "Lily will love this. She hasn't been on a picnic since Alpha Sterling was little." May held out the basket and I took it along with the blanket. She gave me a slightly unsure look. "Are you okay with her for lunch?" I waved her worries off.

"May, she will be fine. If there are any issues Ainsley or I will come and get you. You go enjoy lunch and hang out with your friends." I set the basket down before folding the blanket smaller and placing it under the handles of the rather quaint looking picnic basket. May looked almost grateful for the time off. I could understand how she felt. She was in charge of taking care of Lily for twenty-four hours a day. She needed a small break. I made a quick promise to myself that if we got caught sneaking Lily out I wouldn't let May get punished for it.

"Thank you. If she acts up in anyway just come and get me or Alpha Sterling." She looked towards the door and I picked up the basket as I looked at her.

"I will. Now go and enjoy your lunch." I shooed her to the door and she gave a rather girlish giggle before she moved to the door quickly.

"Thank you. I'll be back in an hour." She waved at me and I rolled my eyes lightly before smiling at her.

"Everything will be fine, May. Don't hurry back." I waved back at her and she nodded before closing the door softly behind her. I let out a breath of air, I felt a little giddy. I was never one for authority and the fact that I would be doing the equivalent of escaping jail made me excited. I waited for a few minutes until I was sure she wasn't coming back before I quickly moved outside. "Ainsley, please take the basket." At the command she jumped slightly just like Lily did. Lily looked at me with puzzlement and I smiled at her reassuringly as Ainsley stood up.

She took the basket and I moved to crouch in front of Lily. "I'm Shey, Luka's mate. Do you want to go for a walk and a picnic?" I gestured to the basket and her face brightened considerably as she caught sight of the checkered blanket.

"Oh yes, dear! That sounds lovely. I used to take my boys for picnics all the time until they got too old to be hanging around their mother. I do love a good picnic." She smiled at my happily before brushing her salt and pepper hair away from her face.

"Can you walk?" I stood up and held out my hands but her face fell.

"My legs are feeling kind of tired." She looked down at her lap and I reached out and took her hands regardless.

"I can carry you." I shook my head slightly at her. We were going for a picnic and the fact she couldn't walk wouldn't deter me.

"I wouldn't wish to impose. I'm heavy." She looked disgruntled and I wanted to laugh. She was so far from heavy it wasn't even funny.

I shook my head with a smile. "I'm stronger than I look. Come on. That picnic basket looks tempting." I squeezed her hands gently and her eyes shone with a look of hopeful innocence.

"Really?" Her voice was small and I nodded vigorously.

"Really, really." I let go over her hands before I turned around and crouched down so she could crawl onto my back. "Alright, hop on and we can go." I felt her thin arms wrap around my neck and I held onto them before standing up as she wrapped her legs around my waist.

"How did Luka get such a thoughtful mate? I haven't had a piggy back in years." There was a wistful note to her voice as she said it and I smiled to myself at the thought I was reminding her of happier times in her life. She barely weighed anything and I shifted her higher on my back before holding onto her legs and starting towards the back of the garden where the gate to the garden was. Ainsley fell into step beside me as we made our way out of the garden.

"Check to make sure the coast is clear." I said it quickly and Ainsley nodded without a word. I smirked at that, she was turning into my quiet little partner in crime. Not to mention she was my little shadow. I watched her move towards the gate and slip out to check for others.

"Such pretty hair she has. Where are we going?" Lily's voice held curiosity and I smiled as I shifted her on my back again.

"We are going to have a picnic." I said it cheerfully as Ainsley waved me forward to let me know the coast was clear.

"Who are you, dear?" Her voice held a strong sense of wary confusion and I stepped through the gate to the garden.

"Luka's mate, Shey." I looked around carefully before I quickly headed toward the forest.

"Oh! My Luka has a mate and Shey is such a pretty name." She clapped her hands before gripping my shoulders. "Thank you for the piggyback ride, I haven't had one in years. I hope I'm not too heavy." Her soft voice was slightly perturbed at the thought and I rolled my eyes slightly.

"Light as a feather, Lily." We were drawing closer to the forest and I glanced at Ainsley. She seemed to be keeping up fairly well.

"You flatter me." She tittered with embarrassment and I couldn't help but chuckle with her.

"I speak only the truth." I smiled over my shoulder and her grey eyes were warm as she looked at me.

"Luka is lucky to have you." She said it softly and I winked at her.

"Some might say I am lucky to have him." I looked forward again and poked Ainsley. "You scent any patrols?" The red-head took a deep inhale and shook her head. Her curls swirled around her face and shoulders and Lily gave a happy gasp.

"Such pretty hair. Like fire." She sounded in awe and I shook my head with a wry smile as we entered the forest. Ainsley moved to walk in front of us and I let out a small sigh. She was a very sweet female. The doctor wasn't capable of dealing with the mental aspect of the abuse she suffered. Luka, however, had known someone who had experience with it and as a result Ainsley had daily hour long therapy sessions over the phone. I wasn't sure how it was going, she seemed a bit more sullen but she had only been doing it for four days. I had been told numerous times by Luka that healing from such a trauma takes time.

"Where are we going?" Lily's voice was more curious then confused and I pointed to the picnic basket before returning my hand to hold onto her leg.

"We are going on a picnic." I jostled her higher on my back and she tightened her grip on my shoulders.

"Oh dear, a picnic! I haven't been on a picnic for years! Not since my boys were little. Do you know my boys?" She sounded so excited that I half wanted Luka to come with us to see it. However I wasn't stupid and I knew he wouldn't allow her to even leave the house.

"Yes. I'm mated to Luka." I could practically feel the radiance of the smile that was crossing her face.

"Luka? Oh he has a mate! That is so exciting! He needs that, you know. Someone to be there for him. He gets so lonely sometimes. That's why he runs away from home. My Richard doesn't understand but I do." She her voice turned a bit somber at the mention of Luka's previous tendency of running away from home. I had learned that before the accident that had decimated her family and caused her illness, she was a quietly observant female. There had been very little that she didn't understand or observe.

"I hope I can make him happy." I didn't hope, I knew. For some ridiculous reason I made him happy. Me, the sarcastic, caustic, unlovable bitch, made him happy. I was half tempted to ask Lily if she had dropped him on his head as a baby, that would be the only logical reason for it.

"Oh I am positive you will! You seem like a such a sweet female. What is your name again?" She sounded a little ashamed at the question and I chuckled to try and set her at ease.

"It's Shey Abigail." I shifted her up on my back once more. She wasn't heavy but the motion of me walking was sliding her down my back.

"Oh, such a lovely name!" Her fingers twitched on my shoulders and elation coated her voice. Ainsley glanced over her shoulder almost as if she were checking to make sure we were still there. I looked around and Lily gasped happily. "Go there!" She pointed to the right, a tone of urgency in her voice and I froze mid step.

"Please! Go there!" Her voice was pleading and I looked at Ainsley. She shrugged before going in the direction Lily had directed us in and I followed her hesitantly. Lily seemed to shift almost excitedly on my back as she directed us through the various trees and further into the forest. I vaguely recognized the area and inhaled deeply, the scent of moonvines was heavy in the air. There was a faint shivering sensation that ran down my spine but I ignored it to follow Lily's directions.

"We are nearly there! Hurry!" She patted my shoulder as if urging me to go faster. We had been following her directions for nearly ten minutes, it was the longest I had ever seen her lucid. She was intensely focused on directing me to a location that only she knew. "Right there! It's right there!" She pointed to a tree and then attempted to slide off my back. I gently set her down. She grabbed my arm tightly, leaning against me as she took shaky steps towards a tree. One pale hand reached out and touched its bark with something akin to reverence.

"I met him here." She swallowed and there was a tender smile on her face as she caressed the roughness of the bark with her fingertips. "Richard. He was hiding in this tree and I was running away. We met and it was like everything came together for the first time in my life. My world finally made sense." There was a blissfulness to her words and her face relaxed and her eyes sparkled with the memory. "My father brought me to Fortis to see if I would be a good mate to the Alpha's son. They wanted an alliance and I was so angry. I didn't want to be sold off like some brood mare so the moment the car stopped I bolted."

A smile crossed her face that was nearly heart wrenching. There was so much anticipation and love in the smile that I had to blink back tears. "I ran as hard as I could and I ended up here. Right here. I was so angry and upset and he called to me from the tree. Called me a scared little bunny." She laughed with such vibrancy that it caused a smile to cross my face. There was something special about seeing her remember her past. To be lucid enough to remember a memory that she must have treasured. "I was so mad at the pompous little popinjay that I threw whatever I could get my hands on at him. Rocks, sticks, pine cones. Everything I touched I threw at his smug looking face. I remember him jumping down from that branch." She pointed to a thick branch that was a good six feet above my head and let out a sigh of longing.

"He stalked right up to me as I went to throw another rock at him and grabbed my wrist. I was lost instantly." She let out another sigh, this one filled with adoration for the male she was remembering. "He had long sandy brown hair that he had pulled back and the most brilliantly blue eyes. He was perfect. That growl of his died in his throat and the look he got on his face was something I have never seen since. You would have thought he had seen an angel from the way he looked. Struck dumb." She laughed happily at the memory

"Maybe to him, he did." The words spilled out before I could stop them and Lily jumped slightly before her head turned to look at me.

"Pardon?" She blinked, her eyes losing some of their previous shine.

"Lily, you were his angel." I gestured to the tree again, trying to bring it back again. I wanted her to remember the happy memory.

"I was, wasn't I?" She looked at the tree once more, the far away look returning to her eyes. "I loved him in that instant and I knew I would never have another. He took me to his father and demanded he call off the meeting. That is when we discovered that we were running from each other. You can't fight fate. It will always win in the end. Fate wanted me to have Richard and fate gave him to me and three beautiful children. I am so blessed. We should go to the temple, I haven't been there in years." She let her hand drop from the tree and I stood still, letting her linger in the memory. Slowly her smile turned wistful before it faded to a slight confusion. "What are we doing here?" She clung to my arm tightly as her legs wobbled and I smiled at her softly.

"We are going to have a picnic by the temple." I kept my tone soft and she brightened instantly.

"Oh a picnic! I haven't had one of those in a long time! How lovely." Her free hand fluttered around her face and neck as she smiled at me brightly. I gently urged her to talk towards where I knew the temple was. Her legs trembled but she seemed content to walk beside me. I didn't mind the slow pace and I glanced at Ainsley, she seemed to be lost in her own world. I cleared my throat lightly and she jolted, her face turning red with embarrassment.

"Sorry." She shifted the basket to her other hand and she moved closer to me. I could see the stone building through the gaps in the trees. Lily's hand gripped my arm tighter.

"Oh dear, what are we doing?" She sounded almost scared and I patted her hand gently.

"We are going to have a picnic, Lily." I said it softly and she gave a gasp of delight.

"Oh a picnic! I haven't had one of those in years. Not since my boys got too big. Do you know my boys?" She hummed with a bit of contentment as she leaned her head against my shoulder.

"I do. I'm actually Luka's mate." I smiled as she gave an excited chirp as she squeezed my arm in delight.

"Really? Oh that makes me so happy! My Luka needs a mate. He get so lonely sometimes. That is why he runs away from home." She let out a small sigh. "You will make sure he isn't lonely anymore, won't you?"

"I will make sure he isn't, Lily." If she was going to request I make sure Luka was no longer lonely I didn't have the heart to disagree with her. I was trying with Luka. It was difficult and it was hard for me but I was trying.

"Oh good! He needs that." She patted my arm gently and we breached the tree line. The grass was tended to around the temple and the sun was still shining despite the clouds in the sky. "The temple! I haven't been out here in years. Richard and I got bonded right in front of Mene. It was beautiful and I loved the ceremony so much. I love my male a lot. He is my everything." Lily sighed happily as we slowly moved across the grass towards the center of the lawn.

Ainsley moved ahead of us and I watched as she quickly spread out the blanket, smoothing it over the grass."Oh a picnic blanket! Are we having a picnic?" Lily looked at me and I nodded with a grin. She let out a happy laugh. "I haven't had a picnic in years! Not since my boys were little." She shook her head sadly and I patted her hand gently as I lead her towards the blanket.

"Well, I figured you would like one." I gestured to it, her legs were starting to shake and I knew it was best to get her sitting before she fell.

"I'm terribly sorry, but who are you again?" She sounded a bit ashamed at forgetting and I smiled at her softly as I helped her sit down on the checkered blanket. Ainsley pulled out a small container of sliced fruit from the basked before pulling out three sandwiches.

"I'm Shey, Luka's mate." I sat down in front of her and grabbed her the container of fruit. I opened it and held it out.

"Oh my boy has a mate! I am so proud. You are so thoughtful." She took an apple slice. "Thank you! You are so sweet!" Her grey eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled and I returned the grin as I took my own apple slice. "I haven't had a picnic in years. Not since my boys were little. They got too old to be hanging out with dear old mum." She patted at her hair, smoothing it down as she ate the slice of apple. I nudged the container towards her, I knew how difficult was sometimes to get her to eat. I took another apple slice and Lily quickly followed suit before picking up the container and setting it in her lap like I hoped she would. "It's such a lovely day!" She looked up at the sky as she closed her eyes as she ate another slice of apple. I gestured to Ainsley and she gave me a sandwich.

We had become quite adept at silent gestures since hanging out with Lily. Constant chatter simply confused her and silence was best until she chose to speak. That way she could control the conversation and it put her at ease. I unwrapped the sandwich and took a bite. It was a simple ham sandwich but it was tasty enough. I looked around, the grass was well groomed and the stone building itself was in good repair. I hummed slightly as I took another bite. Ainsley was eating her own sandwich and Lily looked down at her lap, her eyes widening slightly.

"Oh a picnic! I haven't been on a picnic for a long time!" She glanced at me before her gaze turned to wary confusion. "Who are you?"

I swallowed and then smiled at her brightly. "My name is Shey. I'm Luka's mate." I watched as she clapped happily at that. She looked so joyful that I could almost feel it radiating off of her. Hundreds of times I had gotten that reaction and I didn't think it would ever grow old for me.

"Oh my pui de pup! He has a mate and such a beautiful one at that! I'm so happy!" She glanced around. "Where is Richard? I want to tell him!" She looked a little crestfallen when she couldn't find her mate.

"Richard is with Luka." It was a vague enough answer that she wouldn't question.

She patted her cheek, her face flushing slightly. "Oh, of course Luka would tell his father first. Silly me." Her hands fluttered near her chest and neck.

Ainsley held out the last sandwich towards her. "Do you want a sandwich, Lily?" Her voice was silvery and soft and Lily looked at her in surprise.

Her eyes widened in awe as she reached out towards, Ainsley's flaming hair. "Oh such pretty hair!" She touched the strands, her eyes sparkling and Ainsley smiled at her before lifting the sandwich.

"Would you like the sandwich, Lily?" Her voice was low and soft and Lily's eyes were drawn to the sandwich.

"Oh yes. Thank you!" She took it with a smile before looking at Ainsley, tilting her head. "What is your name, dear?" Ainsley gave her a small smile, I could see how uncomfortable she was with the conversation. She didn't really understand Lily's illness, she understood that Lily forgot and repeated conversations but she never understood why. She was more comfortable when Lily played with her hair rather than talking to her.

"It's Ainsley." She took a bite of her sandwich and Lily smiled at her brightly.

"Such a pretty name! Pretty name, pretty hair for a beautiful female but your face." The smile slid off as she took in the bruises that still lingered on Ainsley's face. They weren't as dark anymore but the edges were yellowing and they were not pretty. "You have bruises. Did you get into a fight?" Lily set the sandwich on her lap and Ainsley shook her head slowly.

"I got it from training." It was an easy lie that Luka had told Ainsley to tell. It would do Lily no good to hear that it had been Ainsley's father that caused them. I took another bite of my sandwich and watched as Ainsley pulled her sandwich apart, taking small bites of each of the ingredients.

"Oh, they need to take it a bit easier on the newest shifters. Hitting the face does nothing for training." She clucked her tongue in disappointment and I set the half eaten sandwich down before swallowing what was left in my mouth.

"We will let them know, Lily." I nodded at her and her gaze snapped to me. I knew Ainsley was getting a bit too uncomfortable and I watched as she relaxed slightly.

"Oh! Who are you, dear?" She titled her head with curiosity and I turned my head to gave her a half smile before letting out an unexpected yawn.

"I'm Shey, Luka's mate." I blinked at her rapidly, getting rid of the haziness the yawn left in my vision and she clapped her hands together in excitement.

"Oh! What lovely news! My boy has a mate. He needs one, you know. He gets so lonely at times. That is why he runs away from home." Her voice turned slightly melancholy and glanced around before my gaze landed on the sandwich.

"I know, Lily. You should eat your sandwich. Gamgam made it just for you." I pointed it at, directing her attention to the new object. She picked it up off her lap.

"Gamgam did? Well I better eat it before she waves that spoon of hers at me!" She winked at me and I smiled, watching as she took a bite of it. I relaxed slightly at the action. I knew how difficult she was with eating actual food. A slice or two of apple was a different matter than a sandwich.

"Gamgam certainly likes that spoon." I picked up my own sandwich and took a bite, glancing at Ainsley. She was still picking at each individual pile of food she had made but she was eating them and that was all that mattered.

"Yes, she does." Lily sighed as she took another bite of her sandwich. A faraway look was clouding her eyes and I coughed lightly, catching her attention.

"She also cut up the fruit for you too." I gestured to the container of fruit and Lily looked at it with surprise, realizing it was on her lap.

"Well, I shall thank her the next time I see her." She smiled at me brightly, the corners of her eyes crinkling before she took a large bite of her sandwich. She was too skinny, I knew it was just how she was but I still didn't like seeing it.

"She would like that I think." I hummed slightly as I finished my sandwich. I felt something nudge my knee and I looked over. Ainsley was holding out a water bottle for me and I nodded at her in thanks before taking it.

"Oh, no. Gamgam is more prickly than a cactus. Probably smack my fingers with her spoon." Lily gave a mischievous smile and I laughed lightly before holding out the water bottle for her. She took it with wide eyes. "Thank you, dear." I leaned over and reached into the basket. My fingers gripped another water bottle and I took it out before twisting the cap off and taking a drink.