"You're here! You're here!"

Rose ran towards the returning party of her fellow campmates and the newest arrivals. Dressed in light summer dress of white chiffon with a simple blue sash, the cool evening air embraced her skin. Rose tackled her best friend, nearly knocking her to the ground.

"Rose, darling.. not the sand! It's such a pain to wash out!" Evelyn scolded, as she tried to keep herself from falling down.

"Easy girls. Can we not attack one another," Rick said, as he helped his son down off the horse.

Rose pulled herself and Evelyn up to a standing position and looked at the men.

"Sorry darling. I'm just so happy to see all of you!" she said, giving Rick and Alex a hug.

"Auntie Rose.. I heard you're getting married.." Alex said, as he pulled the brim of his straw hat down.

Rose knelt in front of the boy and nodded, "I am. That's why I had you guys come all this way. I can't get married without my nephew and my dearest friends here.." she said, giving everyone a smile.

Ardeth came up to the group, "Rose, why don't you take Evelyn to the tent while we get their trunks settled.." he said, as Rick went to help Jonathan and the other men.

Rose nodded and grasped Evelyn by the elbow, "I have so much to tell you! I'll make some tea and we can catch up!" she said, practically dragging her friend across the camp.

Rick and Ardeth watched with amusement, as the two women attempted to run in the sand towards the largest tent at the back of the camp.

"She seems… happy.." Rick said, as he turned to the trunks.

"All she could talk about was of you're arrival. I don't think she's gotten a full nights rest in the last two weeks," Ardeth said.

"Well, let's hope she finally does. I don't think Evie packed enough makeup or whatever this crap is," he said.

As the men worked on the trunks, Rose and Evie stumbled into the tent. As Evie looked around at the dramatic coloring and draping of the tarps and curtains, Rose stood by hoping on one foot to the other.

"Well.. do you like it?" she asked, twisting a strand of hair around her fingers.

"It's lovely. But, I don't see you in any of this," Evie said, waving her hand about.

"I do have my things here, I just haven't unpacked that much. We've been busy, with the wedding and stuff," Rose said.

Rose pointed over to the pillows and colorful rugs that laid on the floor, before walking over to them. Both women sat down, stretching out against the plush. Evie removed her sun hat, setting it down next to her.

" Well, once the you're married and settled in. No need to rush everything. I brought more of your things like you asked. I've never met anyone who had so many dresses. I hope you go through most of that stuff before we leave Cairo, because I have a feeling you wont wear half of it," said Evie.

"What if I'm .. occupied and can't get to it?" Rose asked.

Evie looked over at her, "Occupied? What could you possibly be doing that you haven't done already? She asked with a frown.

Rose blushed and quickly looked away. Evie gasped, before sitting up fully.

"You mean.. you haven't- with Ardeth?" she asked, shocked.

"We almost did… but I stopped him and went to sleep.."

Evie chuckled," And here I thought our warrior was having his way with our society girl… goodness!"

Rose made a face, "Oh please, it's a wedding present. I honestly don't know what else to give the man, " she said.

Evie laughed, "Well, I am very surprised at you Rose Harrington. Only, I fear for what animal will be released once Ardeth has his way with you," she said, giggling.

"Oh shut up you wench!" said Rose, throwing a pillow at her friend.

The two rolled around on the floor laughing and shrieking, as the tarp was being pulled aside.

"Right there is fine," Ardeth said, as Jonathan and Rick struggled in with the largest trunks.

The men set the trunks down and turned towards the display in front of them. Rose on her back, her hair fanned out around her, while Evie sat on top of her. Rose had a firm grasp on both her wrists, holding them up above her, while Evie tried to break free to tickle her.

"Ouch! You're breaking my hip you harlot!" Rose screeched, causing Evie to snort.

Rose went into another fit of giggles, before Evie fell sideways, laughing hysterically.

"If you two are done, we could use some help! I mean, its most of your rubbish we're carrying in!" Jonathan whined, before going back outside.

Rose and Evie looked at each other, "It's most of your rubbish!" they mimicked, before going into another round of laughter.

"Alright, let's get moving. I want to relax before dinner.." Rick said, moving towards his wife.

Evie held her hand out and Rick pulled her up, "You slept on the boat!" she exclaimed, as he pulled her out into the blistering sun.

Rose laughed and Ardeth helped her up, " I haven't seen you laugh like this since you last parted with the O'Connells.." he said.

"I've laughed plenty, darling.," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Besides if I laughed like that all the time, people would think I was crazy," she said.

Kissing her forehead, "I wouldn't find you crazy,"

Rose nodded and yawned widely, "Sure, whatever you say," she mumbled.

"Why don't you rest? I will come back later to wake you up for dinner," he said.

"Alright," she said, before kissing him.

After a few seconds, Rose moved toward the cot she shared with Ardeth and settled down for a nap. Watching as he stepped outside, Rose began to think of what Evie had said earlier.

"Only, I fear for what animal will be released once Ardeth has his way with you,"

Rose made a mental note to ask Evie what she meant by that, before closing her eyes and drifting off.