Deception by B. C. Burgess Page A

wouldn’t stop quivering, so as soon as Alana was in her arms, she hugged her close and buried her face in her hair.
    “Not a twip,” Alana answered. “We just have to stay somewhere diffwent.”
    “Well wherever you are, I bet your mom will make sure you have lots of fun.”
    “That’s what she said.” Alana leaned back and found Layla’s face. “Wiww I get to see you soon?”
    Layla didn't know the answer, so she looked at Selena, who quickly nodded.
    “Yes,” Layla answered, smiling at Alana. “We’ll get to see each other very soon.”
    “Good,” Alana approved. “I wiww miss you.”
    “I'll miss you, too, angel. Be good for your mommy, and think of fun games for us to play next time we see each other.”
    “Otay. I wuv you.”
    Layla pulled her into a hug and kissed her silky curls. “I love you, too, Alana.” Fighting another outburst of tears, Layla passed the baby to Quin. Then she stumbled into Selena's hug.
    “We'll drop in often,” Selena assured, rubbing Layla’s back. “Stay safe between visits, okay?”
    Layla silently nodded. Then she held her breath as Selena said goodbye to Quin and carried Alana away. Nearing an emotional breakdown, Layla didn’t know if she could handle another farewell, but then the final person bounded up, exuding an unbreakable spirit and a contagious optimism.
    “Don't be so sad,” Brietta insisted, pulling Layla into a hug. “We'll be fine, and we'll visit nearly everyday.” She leaned back, faking a stern expression as she pointed. “Now you need to be careful and stay safe. Understand?”
    “Yes, ma'am,” Layla agreed. Then she pulled her into another hug. “When can I see you again, Bri? We need to make a date.”
    “How about tomorrow?”
    “Really?”
    “Sure. Quin and I can take you out. What do you think?” she asked, looking at Quin. “Want to take her to Mount Hood tomorrow?”
    “Good idea,” Quin agreed. “Around two?”
    “That works. We'll eat lunch before heading over there.”
    “Perfect,” Layla approved, feeling lighter than before. “Thanks, Bri. You're pure sunshine.”
    “I know,” Brietta boasted, tossing her golden hair around, but then she sobered. “Now stay out of trouble, Layla Love, and I'll see you tomorrow.”
    Layla gave her one more hug. Then Brietta flipped over Quin and landed on his back. “See ya, Quin.”
    “See ya, Bri,” he returned, patting her arm.
    She kissed his cheek while tugging on his hair. Then she let go and flew to her parents.
    “Bri's an angel,” Layla noted, moving into Quin’s chest.
    He hugged her tightly as he ran a palm down her hair, but just as she was getting comfortable, he let go. “Let's say goodnight to your grandparents then go to our magical room.”
    “Sounds like heaven,” she sighed, letting him tuck her under his arm.
    “Do you need to call Travis and Phyllis?” he asked.
    “It’s late,” she replied. “I’ll call them tomorrow.”
    They said goodnight to the ten family members who remained in the community, then headed for Caitrin and Morrigan's house. Halfway there they passed Finley, who sat in the same spot he'd been all afternoon. Not once had he gotten up to eat, drink or use the bathroom; and his gaze never strayed from Layla.
    She averted her face as she walked by, a tinge of sympathy tugging on her heart, but she refused to reward Finley with attention when he wasn’t willing to earn it. She’d stated her condition, and it was such a simple request – respect Quin. But that seemed to be the one thing Finley couldn’t do, so after hours of making himself available to her, he was ignored and left alone on the lawn.
    The enchanted guestroom was even more beautiful than Layla remembered, so she rushed her bathroom routine, anxious to return to the moonlit meadow. Quin was already on their blanketed hill, magnificently stretched out in nothing but pajama pants, so Layla stripped down to her panties and crawled to the spot beside him.
    “That was