Maria had been living in Nic's home for two weeks and they were slowly settling into a pattern. In fact, the whole household was settling into a pattern with Maria. She felt a warm glow when she thought of how well everyone accepted her as part of Nic's life. Almost against Maria's will, she and Cassandra had become friends. Even close friends, though Maria was still cautious as she felt Cassandra's first loyalty lay with Nic.

Oddly, it didn't bother Maria that the other woman was ...