Schwartz smiled fondly as Proserpina practically flew out of the car to scoop her children in her arms even before the car had slid to a halt. Claude fell on her as did Piers and Ria. As for the little ones, who seemed to have grown bigger in a month’s time, they immediately commenced their wailing on sensing the presence of their mother, close at hand.

Lucien stepped out slowly. His chest still hurt and his knuckles were battered. The sight of his large family made his heart swell with pride and some other feeling he was still getting used to; the feeling of love, of belonging.

But then, Ria...