Emily ran around the corner with her dark hair in a braid and a sparkle in her blue eyes. She grinned widely.
"Look what Maggie did for me! Isn't pretty?" she asked Mina, turning around so her mom could see the braid better.
"It's very pretty. Did you thank her?"
"Yes. When do we get to see grandma again?"
"You'll have to ask your dad."
"Where is he?"
"I think he went out with Nix."
"He did." Mina turned around at the sound of Ever's voice and smiled.
"Ever!" Emily ran over and jumped into the pixie's arms.
"Hey, Em. Your hair looks very pretty today," Ever said, setting her down.
"Thanks! Maggie did it."
"Where's your brother?"
"I think he's out back."
"Can you go get him?" Emily nodded and ran off to find her brother.
"Where'd they go?" Mina asked.
"No idea. I'm sure they'll be back soon."
"What makes you say that?"
"Because I said so." Mina laughed.
"I found him!" Emily said proudly as she came in with James right behind her. His floppy black hair fell into his grey eyes.
"Hey, James," Ever said, ruffling his hair. He made a face and tried to fix it. "What? Are you trying to impress someone?"
"No," he said. "What'd you need?"
"I just wanted to say hi. Sometimes I think you do want to impress someone."
"I don't. Girls are weird."
"Did you just call me weird?" Emily asked, putting her hands on her hips.
"You have been spending too much time with Nan," Mina said, trying not to laugh at her daughter.
"Isn't it awesome?" Emily smiled widely and Mina smiled back.
"Can I go now?" James asked, looking bored.
"Yes. Both of you are free to go," Mina said and they left, leaving Mina and Ever to pass the time. "How is Nix?"
"He's great. What about Teague?"
"Same. Emily's eager for this weekend because he promised her we'd go see Nan."
"Why don't you just take her?"
"Because Teague doesn't like it when we leave without him." Ever laughed.
"Of course not."
"What's that supposed to mean, Ever?" Teague asked.