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During the months before and after Alanna's birth, her mother and Ruth Ewell had beco for theo At that time, Elinore had insisted that Ruth move in and live with them

Because of the close, almost sister-like relationship between her mother and Ruth, Alanna had never looked on her as a domestic employee She had become more of an adopted aunt than a paid housekeeper Since her o, Ruth had been the rock that held the household together

"Her left ar nicely Of course, Elly insists that she's as fit as a fiddle," Ruth confided in a skeptical tone, using her pet name for Alanna's mother "But I notice she always lies down for a couple of hours in the afternoon, so she isn't as strong as she pretends" She waved a hand, slightly gnarled with arthritis, toward the living roo some coffee from the kitchen"

"Thanks anyway," Kurt shook his dark head regretfully, "but I'ot back to work"

"Surely you can spare time for one cup," Ruth cajoled

"No, I—"

"Ruth?" Elinore Powell's questioning voice came from the stairwell to the second floor "Who's there?"

"It's Alanna and her youngsmile on the couple "She's come home a day early"

Alanna slid a sideways glance at Kurt, wondering if he ht the look and s an arm around her waist as if to reinforce the clai of being cared for stole over her Soft contentment was etched in her expression as she turned to racefully down the stairs

Always fragile in appearance, Elinore Powell now looked evenfrom childhood Yet there was an aura of resiliency about her that led one to believe she could overco, even ill health There was a translucent quality to her coilt to her once blond hair added to her ephemeral loveliness

"It's so good to have you home" Her mother's voice trembled with emotion as she eeless eyes With innate grace, Elinore Powell turned to Kurt "Were you an accomplice in Alanna's plot to surprise us?" she smiled

"Yes," he nodded "She phoned me"

"So you could meet her at the airport," Elinore concluded astutely "I know it probably isn't necessary, but I want to thank you forher safely ho the flick of Kurt's gaze on her, but she didn't bother to correct her mother's impression that Kurt had met her at the airport as planned "I heard Ruth mention coffee," her mother continued "You will stay for a few minutes, won't you, Kurt?"

"I really et back to the plant," he refused a second tiood seeing you again, Mrs Powell, and you too, Mrs Ewell Goodbye, Alanna" He bent his head and unself-consciously brushed a light kiss across her lips "Seven?"

"I'll be ready," she promised