Jamie escorted his girls home and they quickly prepared for dinner with their parents and his grandfather. The strange unsettling events of the afternoon were almost forgotten by the couple as they watched while Ellie charmed all three of her grandparents. Her parents prepared and set out the appetizers and dinner. The food Eddie picked up from the gourmet shop was delicious and Eddie shone as she welcomed their family and introduced their new daughter.
Eddie had been nervous from the moment her mother arrived, but was gradually relaxing. Lena had come in with a small wrapped package for Ellie and greeted everyone warmly. She was becoming more calm and serene since her responsibilities at work were growing and she was more established as a resident of her building. Eddie was happy to hear she would be taking in a Wednesday night Broadway play with two of her neighbors the following week. As soon as she set eyes on the little girl, Lena was transfixed. She bore a striking resemblance to Eddie as a child.
To everyone's delight, Lena was surprisingly thrilled with meeting the little girl. After Eddie had introduced Jamie, Lena gradually begun to accept that she was forging her own path. As each fear Lena had for her daughter became unfounded, she became more open to the unexpected choices she made.
Ellie was an orphan and Lena identified with the child on many levels. Her life in Serbia had not been easy, but at least she had a mother that loved her in her own way. She had known other children who were far more unlucky than she was. Ellie reminded her of herself. Lena also understood loss just like Ellie, and she wanted to help the Reagans provide this child with love and support.
Despite her upbringing, Ellie was very sweet and loving once she was comfortable with people. She did not have any attachment issues and bonded with Jamie and Eddie a little more every day. The first year of her life must have been relatively supportive before her mother had relapsed and reconnected with her father. She took to all three of her grandparents within a short time as well.
Ellie sat on the floor, always staying within arm's reach of Eddie. She played with the toys her grandmother had brought, offering everyone, including her stuffed elephant and the family's dog, some tea and treats from the wooden tea service. George, their bulldog, was the only one who was not interested in her game. He was however endlessly patient and devoted to his new sister. George kept a watchful eye over the baby whenever they went anywhere. Jamie jokingly told Eddie he could swear the dog had listened to everything that they had discussed and was acting accordingly.
Before Lena said goodbye, the child was calling her "Nana" and Lena had plans to join the family in Bay Ridge for dinner on Sunday. Immediately after she departed, Jamie poured everyone another cup of coffee and they came clean to Henry and Frank about the details of the afternoon's events. Both men agreed that some of the strange things happening lately might also be attributed to Sydney. They gave simple but sage advice to him and Eddie for how to proceed and put it behind them. When Frank and Henry were ready to leave as well, they found Ellie asleep, curled up next to George on the floor, gripping her blanket.