Anya tightened her fingers around his as he led her to the porch. He waited for Rafe to make the first move but surprisingly it was Linda who took the lead. Leaving her husband's side, she hurried down the steps to Gus, gave him a brief hug, then turned to Anya.

"I am so happy to meet you," she said in her soft voice. "I just wish it could have been under different circumstance. Welcome to our home."

"Thank you." Anya's voice was equally soft and more subdued. 'I'm ...