On November 23, the world of country music lost a great singer. Hal Ketchum died at age 67.
Two months after the events of chapter 13, Sofia is going to take her daughters Lorelei and Anya to the village. James and Amber go with her, since being alone outside the castle has made Sofia skittish after what happened with Stirling, and she's grateful for any escort she gets, even if it's her own siblings. Thanks to theblindwriter95 for helping with the story. Hal Ketchum's music is not mine, and on a more serious note, rest in peace Hal Ketchum.
"Good morning! How are Mommy's little angels today?" Sofia asked, looking down at her daughters' bassinets.
Lorelei giggled, waving a fist in the air while Anya continued to sleep until feeling Clover paw at her bassinette. The girls were two months old now and Sofia couldn't be happier.
Now that it was June, she enjoyed taking them out for walks around the castle, as it helped her lose some of the weight she gained during her pregnancy.
After she got the girls ready for the day, Sofia gave them their respective snowman and strawberry plush toys. As she watched the girls hug their toys, she thought back to a few days after their debut ball when they had all been in Cedric's workshop and the girls had been tested for Pelicant Eggshell Powder.
Roland had held Lorelei while Sofia took Anya to be tested first. Anya had been a little fussy when Cedric tried to give her a taste of the powder, but like she had with Corban, Sofia gave Anya to Cedric and did the 'here comes the flying horse into the stable'. Anya had giggled, Sofia had popped the spoon into her mouth, and after a few minutes, she was found not to have a problem with the potion ingredient.
When it was Lorelei's turn, Roland gave her to Sofia while he took Anya. Sofia was a little worried now. Lorelei had been asleep when she was born, but she had pulled through. She had also had trouble latching, but a few days after she was born, she was feeding just fine. Now Sofia had wondered how Lorelei would react to this ingredient. So many members of the family had different reactions to Pelicant Eggshell Powder, and she had forgotten if Stirling had that problem. Thankfully, Lorelei also had no reaction to the ingredient.
"Sof? A little help?" Clover asked.
Sofia smiled, holding back a laugh as the girls tried reaching for Clover. Since their birth, he'd been by their side while they slept and though he wouldn't admit it to her, Sofia knew the rabbit would miss the girls when it came time for them to transition from the bassinets to their cribs in a month or two.
"You love the attention, Clover," Sofia giggled, "You also know that Anya loves animals!" As she spoke, she smiled as Anya tried to pet Clover. "That's right, Anya, that's Clover. He's our blue-ribbon bunny friend!"
Anya giggled as she finally managed to pet Clover, and offered him her snowman.
"That's okay, Anya, you can hug your snowman," Clover smiled as he carefully nuzzled her. "And yes, Lorelei, I think I will eat that strawberry you're offering me!" He pretended to take a bite out of Lorelei's strawberry, and Lorelei giggled as he carefully nuzzled her.
"Sofia! There you are! James was wondering what was taking you so long! Though between you and me, he should know why by now," Amber smirked playfully. She saw Anya and Lorelei being carefully nuzzled by Clover and smiled. "It still amazes me how gentle your bunny is around them."
"They do like him as their sleeping buddy," Sofia giggled. She fiddled with her amulet uneasily. "I know I promised the girls a trip to the village, and Ruby and Jade desperately want to see them, but..."
"Sofia, you have nothing to worry about," Amber assured her. "I know, there have been people who still blame you for this, even though you told everyone what happened at Stirling's execution. However, you did get letters and gifts from people who were understanding, and we saw several of them at the girls' debut ball. They were still there to show their support. And do you remember how the Protectors were acting when some other people came?"
"Oh, yes," Sofia smirked. "They had the list of names, and they checked them to the cards they sent me. If I saved the cards, they were allowed in, but if I threw the cards away, the Protectors escorted them out and told them that what happened wasn't my fault, and Chrysta said that it was their problem if they still didn't get it." She paused for a moment. "Do you think those people will ever understand?"
"It's hard to say," Amber shrugged. "All you can really do is take it one day at a time, and hopefully, those people will find something else to talk about." She chuckled, hearing the girls squeal as they attempted to pet Clover again.
"You should've seen them when I introduced the girls to the Protectors," Sofia smiled.
"Oh, yes," Amber giggled, "You say Chrysta's tough as nails, but she melted like a big piece of Avaloran chocolate when she saw Lorelei and Anya for the first time! And just like we have a hard time getting James away from the karaoke machine, we had a hard time separating Chrysta from the girls!"
"That's exactly how Queen Elena described it too!" Sofia laughed along with her. "And we did let each of the Protectors hold them."
"Everyone does enjoy a game of Pass the Baby," Amber smiled.
"I'm just surprised they allowed me to be a Protector part time," Sofia mused.
"Orion did say that you raising the girls was a bigger responsibility than you being a Protector full time," Amber smiled.
"The Protectors only agreed to the idea so they could see Anya and Lorelei whenever they want," James smirked, overhearing their conversation. He picked up Lorelei, bouncing her in his arms. "Ready to go, Sof?
Sofia's smile faded. "I guess so..."
"Sof, it's all right if you still feel uneasy," James tried to comfort her. "I know, you say being alone outside the castle makes you skittish sometimes, but that's only because you still remember what happened. But you don't need to worry about that anymore. Stirling's dead and gone, you told everyone what he did to you, and a lot of people are supporting you, including the family, Cedric, and Baileywick."
"I know, but sometimes I can't forget and still have nightmares about it," Sofia sighed.
"That's why I decided to be your escort," James smiled.
"You? Her escort?" Amber teased. She took Anya in her arms. "What do you think, Anya? Should Uncle James be your mommy's escort?"
Anya giggled and reached for James, who took her in his arms.
"Don't worry, Anya, I'll take good care of you, Lorelei, and your mommy," James smiled as he found her snowman.
Lorelei squealed as James took her in his arms and found her strawberry.
"James, you're loaded down with the girls and their toys," Sofia smiled. "I can take one of them too."
"Alright, Sof. You take Anya and I'll take Lorelei," James smirked.
Anya giggled as Sofia took her in her arms before drooling on her snowman.
"Aren't you coming with us, Amber?" Sofia wondered.
"If you want me to," Amber agreed, "It's been a while since we all went out together."
"In the immortal words of Mom, the more the merrier," Sofia smiled.
"And don't worry, Sof, Amber and I'll be right there with you," James agreed.
"Of course you will, my escort," Sofia groaned playfully, causing Amber to laugh.
"Maybe Corban would like to come with us too," Amber suggested.
James shook his head. "Baileywick doesn't want the girls to get sick, as Corban isn't feeling well today."
"Good idea," Sofia agreed, "The last thing any of us want is for Lorelei and Anya to get sick. But we can always tell him about our trip to the village."
"Corban does like the stories we tell him, doesn't he?" James grinned.
"Yes he does," Amber smiled. "Cedric made copies of your earlier stories where we had adventures with our dolls and plush friends, and he loves them!"
"He's always wanting a story if it's not him wanting to play with Anya and Lorelei," Sofia smiled.
"True, but in his defense, the girls are his best friends," James smirked.
"We know Ya is his name for Anya, but I'm curious to know what his name for Lorelei is now that he knows how to say your name, Sofia," Amber mused.
"Like Mom and Dad say, we'll just have to take it one day at a time," Sofia smiled.
As they walked along, they made small talk about anything that came to mind, until Amber brought up Sofia's last part-time Protector mission. She hadn't been gone long, but Lorelei and Anya had been upset when they saw that their mommy was gone. True, they liked spending time with Amber as she pointed out constellations in her astronomy books, and they loved it when James sang to them and told them stories, but it wasn't the same as having Sofia with them. They had even fussed until Cedric made their favorite sparkle spell to help calm them. And by that time, Sofia had returned.
"I was also thinking about something Cedric told us, and I think it was a good idea," Amber continued. "We should get the girls something that has your scent on it, Sofia. That way, they could have a part of you with them if you have to be away from them."
"I know what you mean," James added. "When he was a puppy and I was at Royal Prep all day, Rex would go in my room and curl up on my bed with a blanket or one of my plush friends. Dad said Rex was always happy when he had something that had my scent on it."
"The girls would love that," Sofia agreed as Anya tugged on her amulet.
When they got to the coach, Anya and Lorelei squealed happily as the coachman held the door open for Sofia and James.
"You okay, Sof?" James asked.
"Huh?" Sofia asked, bouncing Anya in her arms. "Oh, I'm fine, James. Just a little nervous."
"Everything's going to be fine, Sof," James assured her, "We're all here for you."
"Thanks, James," Sofia smiled. Her smile widened as Lorelei reached for her. "And thank you, Lorelei! Even though you and Anya have no idea what I'm talking about!"
A short time later, the coach arrived in the village and dropped them off. Ruby and Jade were right there to meet them. "Sofia!" they cheered.
"Ruby! Jade!" Sofia smiled. "Thank you so much for coming to the christening! I loved your gifts, and trust me, they'll be put to good use!"
"It looks like they're already being put to good use," Jade grinned, motioning toward Lorelei and Anya's dresses.
Sofia, James, and Amber laughed with them. Anya was wearing the pink dress that Ruby had given her, and Lorelei was wearing the purple dress from Jade.
"Are they always color coded?" Ruby chuckled.
"It's the only way any of us can tell them apart," James smirked.
"James, it's not their fault they're identical," Amber smiled. She turned to Anya and Lorelei who were staring at Ruby and Jade. "Isn't that right, girls?"
Anya and Lorelei giggled as they reached for him.
"Can we hold them, Sofia?" Ruby asked as Sofia handed Lorelei to him.
"Sure, but be careful," Sofia said as she gave Anya to her.
"I see what you mean," Jade grinned as Anya tugged on her hair.
"Lorelei, that's not food!" Ruby giggled as Lorelei put one of her fingers in her mouth.
"Well, Lorelei knows something sweet when she sees it!" James grinned.
"Very true," Ruby smiled. "So tell us, Sofia, how have the girls been doing since their debut ball?"
"Really well," Sofia smiled. "Since I know that one day one of them will take my place as Mr. Cedric's apprentice, we had them tested for potion ingredient reactions. They both tested negative for Pelicant Eggshell Powder, and that's the one we were all worried about."
"That's right, you told us that a few members of your family have trouble with that ingredient," Ruby agreed. "But were there any other potion ingredients they should be tested for?"
"We'll have to see when the girls are older, but we got the main one out of the way first," Sofia admitted.
"That's great!" Jade grinned. She laughed as Anya offered her her snowman. "No thank you, Anya."
"They always love sharing their toys with anyone they meet," Amber smiled.
"So Sof, other than wanting the girls to see Ruby and Jade, what made you want to come to the village today?" James asked.
"You really want to know, my escort?" Sofia teased.
"I'm just curious," James smiled as he bounced Anya's snowman in front of her.
"Should we tell him?" Ruby smiled.
"It was going to be a surprise, but he did say that he was curious," Jade smirked, watching as Anya giggled, seeing her snowman bounce.
"We wanted to thank you for all the help you and Amber gave me since the girls were born," Sofia smiled. "Ruby, Jade, and I took Amber out to lunch and shopping a few days ago, but now we want to do something special for you."
"Sof, you don't have to do anything; I'm happy to help you and the girls," James protested.
"We know, but when I had to go on that last-minute Protectors mission, you volunteered right away to baby-sit," Sofia smiled.
"Whatever opportunity I have to spend time with my nieces, I'll take in a heartbeat, Sof," James smiled as Lorelei held his fingers.
"I'm guilty of it too," Amber smirked. "Lorelei loves it when I point out Amberina Major to her and Anya."
"She does," Sofia agreed.
"Should we give your Uncle James a hint, Lorelei, or let him figure it out on his own?" Ruby teased.
"Well, we all know how much James loves a good mystery," Amber smiled, "but I think we should give him a little hint."
"Okay, we'll give him a hint," Sofia agreed.
"Music is his hint. The rest is a surprise," Jade smiled.
"Anastasia Winifred and Lorelei Amberina, do you know what they're talking about?" James smirked.
The girls giggled in response before Lorelei started to fuss and reached for Sofia.
However, Sofia smiled and handed her to James. "Actually, Lorelei, I'm going to let Uncle James help you out. I love you, sweetheart, but I think he can help you better than I can."
"Come on, Lorelei, just one little la-la-la?" James asked as he took her. "Jade says it's music related, and you love music as much as I do!"
"She's getting there, James," Sofia giggled, remembering the joke that Roland used to tell about James singing as soon as he was born.
"That's right," Amber agreed. "You two will be singing around the castle soon enough! Let Lorelei at least say 'ma ma' for her first word...or I wouldn't say no to 'Auntie Amber!'"
"Oh Amber!" Sofia grinned.
As they traveled on, Lorelei giggled upon hearing some noise as Anya squealed, clapping her hands.
"Is that the music, girls?" James smiled.
"You're getting close, James," Jade smirked.
The group paused when Ruby signaled them to stop. They were now in front of a building that James recognized as the restaurant where Roland and Miranda had gone on their first date.
"Remember when we took you, Amber, and James here, Sofia?" Jade asked.
"Yes, it was after the karaoke party where James said he'd start singing in public again," Sofia smiled. "We had to stay until closing time since James had commandeered the karaoke machine!"
"We don't want to stay too long this time, dear brother," Amber teased, mussing James' hair. "Remember, we have two little girls with us."
"Not if everyone inside wants a good game of Pass the Baby to enjoy," James smirked.
"After all, who can resist Anya and Lorelei?" Ruby agreed.
"Okay, fine, I'll sing them one song, then we'll take them back to the castle," James sighed in mock defeat.
"Thanks, James," Sofia giggled. "And by the time we get back, they'll be ready for a nap!"
As they sat down, Amber helped Sofia get Anya and Lorelei settled. "I remember a few of the gift cards you got along with the cards from people who supported you," she said as she saw Sofia reaching into her purse. "Two or three of them were for this restaurant, and you got cards for other shops, so you can get the girls anything they might need."
"That's a good idea," Sofia agreed. "And I might take you and Mr. Cedric up on your offer to try to find something to put my scent on, since you told me about that idea too."
"Good idea, Sof, as the last thing we'll need is two fussy babies again. Even Corban tried to cheer them up with his kitty," James recalled.
"Did it work?" Ruby asked.
"No. Seeing the girls upset only prompted him to drop his kitty and hug Anya," Amber smiled. "Hearing him say 'Ya sad' melted my heart."
"Is he still protective over them?" Jade laughed.
"You have no idea," Sofia smiled. "He's been right by their side since he first saw them when they were born."
"Like their own personal bodyguard?" Ruby chuckled.
"Exactly!" Sofia giggled.
"If he's not playing with them, Corban watches them nap until he falls asleep," Amber smiled.
"At least he lets other people touch the girls now," James smirked. "We had a talk about sharing Anya and Lorelei and somehow it stuck with him."
"Was that why he would always tell people no? Because he didn't want to share his nieces?" Jade chuckled.
"Oh, yes," Sofia smiled. "He'd always say 'No! Baby!' when anyone but me went near them. But we talked to him and we said that nobody was going to hurt Lorelei or Anya, and that we'd be with all three of them so he wouldn't have to worry about anything."
"But it's always easy to distract him," James agreed, "I just take him over to the rocking chair and tell him some of my stories while someone takes care of the girls."
"That always cheers him up," Amber smiled. "Your stories or a kitty song."
Lorelei squealed at the thought of a kitty song, dropping her strawberry in the process.
"I'll get your strawberry, Sunshine," Sofia smiled, getting out of her chair before bumping into someone. "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't see you there."
"No harm done, Princess," the man smiled, "I was just on my way to start the karaoke entertainment. Are you or your friends going to sing something?"
"I think James is," Ruby giggled, seeing his look of interest.
"Yes he should," Amber agreed, "In fact, James, why don't you sing that one song you did for Corban a few days ago?"
"I think I know the one you mean," James smiled, recalling how he had sung to Corban to distract him while Sofia changed Anya and fed Lorelei.
"I heard him giggling," Sofia smiled. "It was so cute!"
"It was," Amber agreed.
"Here you go, little princess. This strawberry's yours, I presume?" The man smiled.
Lorelei giggled, reaching for her strawberry as Sofia smiled softly at the man.
"Thank you, sir," Sofia smiled. "That's her favorite toy."
"Well, take good care of it, sweetheart," the man smiled. "And tell your sister to give her little snowman friend a warm hug!"
"Oh, she will," Amber giggled. "Anya loves giving her snowman hugs!"
Meanwhile, James had come up to the microphone after finding his song. "I'm ready! And girls, feel free to join me!"
"Oh, we will," Sofia smiled. "Lorelei and Anya love hearing Uncle James sing!"
"Brilliant!" James grinned as the music started.
There's an Elvis movie on the marquee sign,
We've all seen at least three times
Everybody's broke, Bobby's got a buck
Put a dollar's worth of gas in his pickup truck
Anya and Lorelei giggled, clapping their hands to the music as their uncle sang.
"That's right girls. In the immortal words of Uncle James: music makes everything better," Amber cooed.
"Careful, Amber. One of them will probably follow in his footsteps one day!" Jade chuckled.
"And I can't wait to hear them sing with him!" Amber smiled as James took her hand in a dance.
James spun her as he sang, We're going ninety miles an hour down a dead-end road
What's the hurry, son, where you gonna go?
"We all can't wait for that day, Amber, but I think they should at least learn to talk before they can sing!" Sofia giggled as James carefully spun her and Anya.
At the same time, Anya squealed as James made her snowman dance as he sang to her.
We're gonna howl at the moon, shoot out the light
It's a small town Saturday night
It's a small town Saturday night
"Your uncle's silly, isn't he, Lorelei?" Ruby grinned.
Lorelei giggled as she took her in her arms while Jade made her strawberry dance.
As she heard her daughters giggle and squeal, Sofia smiled to herself. Being outside the castle still made her skittish but not like it once did.
James spun Jade and Ruby as he continued the song, Lucy's got her lipstick on a little too bright
Bobby's gettin' drunk and lookin' for a fight
Liquor on his breath, trouble on his mind
And Lucy's just a kid along for the ride
"I love this song!" Ruby smiled.
"Me too!" Jade grinned.
"So does James!" Amber chuckled.
James grinned as he spun them and finished the chorus, Got a six-pack of beer and a bottle of wine
Gotta be bad just to have a good time
Ruby and Jade joined him on the chorus, They're gonna howl at the moon, shoot out the light
It's a small town Saturday night
It's a small town Saturday night
"Are you feeling better, Sofia?" Amber asked, smiling as a waiter approached and they ordered lunch. Since James had looked at the menu before he went up to sing, he had written down what he wanted, so the girls didn't have to distract him as he entertained them.
"Yes, actually," Sofia smiled. "I know there are some nice people out there, and everyone we've met so far today has been very nice to me and the girls."
"Some of them were also at the christening," Amber remembered, discreetly motioning toward the waiter after he took their orders.
"That's right," Sofia smiled. "In the card he sent, he gave me a gift card for a meal here. And there was enough money on it so I could treat more than one person."
At the same time, James was singing the last verse, Bobby told Lucy: "The world ain't round
Drops off sharp at the edge of town
Lucy, you know the world must be flat
'Cause when people leave town, they never come back"
They go ninety miles an hour to the city limits sign
Put the pedal to the metal 'fore they change their mind
He kissed Anya and Lorelei's hands as he finished the song, They howl at the moon, shoot out the light
It's a small town Saturday night
Yeah, howl at the moon, shoot out the light
Yeah, it's a small town Saturday night
It's a small town Saturday night
It's a small town Saturday night
As everyone applauded, Lorelei and Anya were watching their uncle take a bow, and were too preoccupied to notice their aunt and mommy's conversation until Anya's smile faded and she started to fuss.
"Angel, what is it?" Sofia cooed, walking over and taking Anya out of her high chair. "Are you and Sunshine hungry?"
"Angel and Sunshine?" Jade grinned. "When did Sofia start giving the girls nicknames?"
"I think it was when she took them to be tested for Pelicant Eggshell Powder," Amber replied, "Anya started fussing when Cedric tried to give her a little taste of it, but James took her from Sofia for a moment and started singing a song called Angel of the Morning."
"I know that song," Jade smiled.
"We all do," Amber smiled, "Anyway, Anya giggled, and Cedric gave her the powder. She seemed okay, so Daddy took her and Sofia took Lorelei next. James decided to sing another song for her, and he did this one called Good Day Sunshine."
"I love that one!" Ruby smiled.
"Again, we all do," Amber smiled. "Anyway, when she put the girls down for a nap later, Sofia started singing the songs again, and both girls loved them. And those have been their favorite songs ever since."
"And that's how they got their nicknames," Sofia smiled.
"Is Anya okay?" Ruby asked.
"She's not tired or hungry, but she misses Corban," Sofia admitted.
"Then do you think we should get them home?" Amber asked.
"Maybe, it is almost time for their naps," Sofia said as she checked the pocketwatch she had gotten from Baileywick as one of her shower gifts.
"Now the big question," Jade giggled, "Who's going to tell James he has to leave his adoring fans?"
"Nobody," James smirked as he came back to them. He took Anya from Sofia. "It's okay, Anya, we'll get you home and you and Lorelei can take a nap. And it's a good thing I had Cedric make copies of my writing buddies for you and Lorelei so you'll have something else to cuddle when you're awake!"
"That's right, James, Mom told me that they can't have their toys in the cribs with them for a few months," Sofia chuckled.
"You think Corban will feel a little better by the time we get home?" Amber wondered.
"If he actually listened to Baileywick this time and rested," James smirked.
"He might," Sofia tried to smile. "I know, I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but Corban wore himself out from fussing about wanting to play since he's been sick, and Baileywick tries to tell him to rest, but the only thing that helps Corban when he's sick is one of your stories."
"Well then, maybe we should get going home and I'll have to look through my stories and find him something," James smirked.
"That's a good idea," Sofia agreed. "And when we get home, I'll get together with Mr. Cedric and we can make the girls something that has my scent on it, so they won't be so fussy next time I have to go on a Protector mission."
"Jade and I better get going too," Ruby smiled.
Anya and Lorelei reached out for Ruby and Jade for one last hug before going home, causing the Enchancian siblings to chuckle.
"Don't worry, girls, you'll see Auntie Jade and Auntie Ruby again soon," Sofia smiled as she and Amber picked them up.
"And when we get home, I'll look for some more songs about sunshine and angels," James agreed, "Nothing but the best for my nieces!"
"Oh, James," Sofia giggled.
While the girls took a short nap on the way home, Sofia conversed quietly with Amber and James so they wouldn't wake up, only for the girls to be awaken by a happy squeal.
"Ya! Lore!" Corban giggled, running towards the coach.
"Lore?" Sofia grinned.
"Lore!" Corban shrieked, reaching up to them. "Ya!"
Lorelei and Anya giggled at Corban's enthusiasm, but all too soon, Lorelei yawned and Anya rested against Sofia's shoulder.
"Lore?" Corban asked. "Ya?"
"They've had a busy day, Corban," Sofia smiled, "Do you want to help me put them down for a nap?"
"Ya!" Corban giggled. He giggled as Amber and James followed behind him and Sofia before bumping into Miranda. "Ma ma! Fia!" Corban giggled.
"I see her, Corban," Miranda chuckled. "Are you helping her put your best friends down for a nap?"
"Ya!" Corban smiled.
"Is he feeling better?" Amber asked. "Him saying Lore was a big surprise."
"He must be feeling better," Miranda smiled. "He wanted to play with Lorelei and Anya, but you left with them before he could come down. I managed to sit up with him and tell him a story or two, and he took a nap. He woke up a little while ago, and he's been asking for them ever since."
"Well, you'll have to wait a little longer, Corban," Sofia smiled. "Lore and Ya have to take a nap, but you can play with them when they're awake. In the meantime, we can tell you all about what we did in the village today. And before I forget, James sang to us and our friends!"
"Games!" Corban cheered, clapping his hands.
"That's right, Corban," James grinned, taking him in his arms. "You want to come with me and sing something to the girls to help them go to sleep?"
"Ya!" Corban giggled.
"As long as it's not a kitty song, they'll get to sleep easily," Amber teased.
"What's wrong with a kitty song?" Sofia smiled.
"Kitty songs make your brother excited. As a mother yourself, you should know that," Miranda smirked.
"I don't think Ayna or Lorelei will care what song they get at this point," Sofia smiled. "Right now I think they just want to hear friendly voices as they go to sleep."
"Well said, Sof," James smiled as he led the way inside.
"I know Lorelei, Corban, and Anya love any song James sings, but you know he doesn't just sing kitty songs," Amber added. "The girls loved the song James sang today!"
"I'll sing it for Corban after Sof puts the girls down, then she can go see Cedric and ask him about the thing with her scent on it," James offered.
"That's a good idea," Sofia agreed, "I think the girls would love something like that."
Putting Anya in her bassinet, Sofia giggled as Corban stood on his tiptoes and looked inside.
"Anya isn't going anywhere, little buddy," James assured him.
"Lorelei isn't either," Amber added, putting a fussy Lorelei in her bassinet.
"It's all right, my little Sunshine," Sofia smiled. "You just take your nap, and you'll be playing with Corban before you know it."
"This might help you too, Lore," James added as he took her hand. He started rubbing it with his thumb as he sang, "Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy..."
As she watched Lorelei giggle and reach for James, Sofia giggled herself. "See what you started, Mr. Castle Jukebox?"
"What? You said you wanted to know if there were any other songs about sunshine and angels," James smiled innocently. "I'll tell you what, Sof: you go see Cedric about your thing that has your scent on it for the girls, and I'll help Lorelei go to sleep."
"Good idea, James. The longer the girls nap, the longer Mr. Cedric and I will have on figuring out what to put my scent on," Sofia smiled.
"Bye-bye Fia!" Corban giggled.
"Alright, little buddy, once we get your nieces to sleep, would you like a kitty song?" James asked once he heard Sofia close the door to her room.
"Kitty!" Corban smiled.
"I'll take that as a yes," James grinned. "And you know that your kitty will sing with me too!"
"Oh, James," Miranda smiled as they walked toward his room. "But I've heard you sing with Corban, his kitty, and your writing helpers as you work on your stories, and you all sound wonderful!"
"And it doesn't help that Corban only knows la-la-la," James jokingly pouted.
Miranda chuckled, taking Corban in her arms. "One day at a time, James. He just learned to say Lore today."
"Lore! Ya! Fia!" Corban giggled.
"I guess you're right, Corban; not everyone sings as soon as they're born," James smiled, "but as far as the la-la-la song goes, singers do have to start somewhere!"
"Ya!" Corban giggled.
Miranda shook her head in amusement. The sooner her granddaughters were awake, the sooner Corban would want to play with them.
But for now James could entertain him with his trip to the village, which she wouldn't mind hearing about herself. Seeing Sofia not skittish upon returning had Miranda smile at the thought.
"She'll be okay, Mom," James agreed with her. "We ran into a lot of nice people while we were out."
"That's good to hear," Miranda smiled.
"Games! La-la-la!" Corban sang.
"Okay, Corban, I'll sing for you, but first, I'll tell you about the place I sang to Sof and the girls!" James said as he took Corban on his lap.
Corban giggled in agreement, clapping his hands while James began telling the story.
To Miranda's amusement both of her sons had fallen asleep after the story's conclusion as she bumped into Sofia on her way out.
""Sorry Mom. I was just about to show James and Corban—" Sofia stopped mid-sentence, holding back a giggle. "They're both asleep?"
"Apparently so," Miranda smirked. "How did it go with Cedric?"
"Well Mr. Cedric seemed to be in a foul mood when I approached him. I know he was making that healing potion for Corban earlier, but we all know how Corban is about taking medicine," Sofia smirked. "But then when he saw me, he managed to calm down a little, and he and I worked on making something for the girls that had my scent on it." Her smirk turned into a smile as she produced two blankets.
"I like the smell of this one," Miranda smiled as she sniffed the pink one Sofia gave to Anya. "It smells like winter and sugar mixed together, and that's one of your favorite scents, thanks to that perfume Amber got you."
"Anya does like snow like I do," Sofia smiled.
"And what did you make for Lorelei?" Miranda asked.
Sofia smiled. "I'm not gonna lie, Mom. Hers took Mr. Cedric and I a little longer."
Miranda looked mystified. "It did?"
"It did," Sofia admitted. "Lore has so many scents that she likes, it took us a long time to pick just one, but we finally decided on one she couldn't go wrong with." Sofia smiled as she produced a light green blanket, motioning toward the pattern on it.
"Strawberries," Miranda smiled. "That's very nice. And it has your favorite sugar scent too."
"I tried to give her something she'd like, but I didn't want to overwhelm her," Sofia agreed. "But at least both blankets have subtle scents, so if anyone comes in, they won't be bothered by it."
"It's too bad you'll have to wait until the girls wake up to give them their blankets," Miranda smiled.
Sofia nodded in agreement. The girls' naps were important, but she couldn't wait to see their faces light up upon seeing the blankets.
"Well, we all know that good things come to those who wait," Sofia smiled.
"That's right; they do," Miranda agreed, "now, let's let sleeping babies lie, shall we?"
"Good idea," Sofia chuckled as she kissed Lorelei and Anya, "Good night, girls."
