The morning of the moon ceremony found me, unsurprisingly, in the kitchen, eating. Rafe was with me, giggling happily as I danced around the room with him, singing about how delicious carrots were while pouring some baby carrots onto a plate and munching on them.

I was just getting to the part of my impromptu song—about how carrots are good for your vision and help you make friends with rabbits—when I heard a familiar, odd sound in the hall. I gasped, spinning towards the door as the mechanical hum grew louder. I was nearly run over when Henry wheeled into the room.

"Henry!" I gasped, tears welling up. I stumbled toward him, nearly falling into his lap in my hurry to hug him.

"Steady, girl!" Henry laughed, catching me and helping me to my feet. He beamed, and I laughed, shaking my head at myself as I gave him a proper hug and a kiss on both cheeks.

"We missed you so much!" I exclaimed, my heart in my throat. "I'm so glad you're home and in time! A miracle!"

"Certainly took some doing," he said, raising an eyebrow. "I rode in a cargo plane to get here—this little man had better impress." He shifted his gaze to the baby in my arms.

"Oh!" I said, straightening and remembering my manners. "Henry, may I introduce you to your grandchild?"

"Nothing would give me more joy," he replied, his eyes wet.

I leaned down to place Rafe in his grandfather's arms for the first time, trying not to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the moment. "This is Rafe Henry Sinclair," I said quietly, watching his face.

"Rafe Henry," Henry said, looking at me, then down at the baby. "He's a beauty, Ella. Wonderful." He shook his head, staring at my son. Though I was overwhelmed, I was glad Henry met Rafe while he was in a good mood; he still spent most of his time crying.

I heard footsteps on the stairs and smiled when Sinclair hurried in.

"Dad!" he boomed, a huge smile on his face. I stepped back as Henry turned his chair, raising one arm towards his son while holding the baby in the other. Sinclair bent down to give his father a long, warm hug, and I bit my lip, witnessing the tender moment. Sinclair, though he'd never admitted it, had worried about and missed his father. I knew he was glad to have him back home.

The two embraced, and the kitchen filled with happy noise as we buzzed around each other, ensuring everyone was comfortable. After a minute, I raised my hands, calling for silence.

"Okay!" I declared. "You two," I said, pointing between Henry and Sinclair, "go into the living room, take the baby, and relax. I'll bring coffee in a moment. Then we'll catch up. All right?"

They nodded and complied, leaving the room. A few minutes later, I followed, carrying a silver tray laden with coffee and food. My stomach rumbled, and I rolled my eyes. How could I still be hungry?

"He really is wonderful, Ella," Henry said fondly, looking down at his grandchild when I entered.

"Yes, I'm easily persuaded of that," I said casually, putting the tray on the coffee table and sitting next to Sinclair. "Would you like me to take him?"

"No," Henry said quickly. "I mean, if it's all the same to you, I'll hold him a little longer."

I nodded eagerly, deeply touched to see their bond forming.

"He looks like you," Henry said, smiling at Sinclair. "You, too, were a little bowling ball when you were born, with the same shock of black hair."

I bit my lip, pleased to hear details Sinclair wouldn't know. "Do you have pictures?" I asked. Henry nodded eagerly and promised to show them to me later. We spent a pleasant half hour catching up, with Henry recounting the hardships of his journey, how much he'd wanted to arrive in time for the ceremony. He also updated us on our friends we'd left behind, surprising us by revealing that Isabel, James, and Sadie had come with him.

"Really?" I gasped, excited.

"Oh no," Henry said, looking between us. "It wasn't a secret, was it?"

"Only until we knew for sure," Sinclair said, smiling at me. "I didn't want you to be disappointed if they couldn't make it."

"It's wonderful," I said, tears welling up at the thought of seeing my friends. "Thank you."

Sinclair murmured, "Of course," and kissed my hair, but I saw him glance at the door. He was torn between spending time with his father and the pressing duties he needed to finish before the ceremony.

"Go," I said, nudging him with a smile. "We're perfectly all right here."

"Are you sure?" he asked, glancing at me and his father.

"Go!" his father said, waving his hand. He smiled and patted the armchair beside him. "You come sit by me, Ella."

Grinning, I sat beside him as Sinclair left, a mix of regret and relief on his face. He wanted to be there, but…well, heavy is the crown.

"I'm so glad you're here," I said, smiling at Henry.

"Well, it's a very important event," Henry said seriously. "I know you didn't have a dedication ceremony, and you haven't been to one, but they are… they're quite special, Ella. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Good," I murmured, smiling down at my son. "I want everyone here who loves him."

"It feels like yesterday that Dominic and Roger were dedicated," Henry mused, looking at my son and shaking his head. "I can't believe it's already time for a new generation."

"Do you remember it well?" I asked, hoping he'd tell me more.

"Oh yes," Henry said, his eyes raised. "As well as the experience of being a godfather myself."

"Godfather," I considered, tilting my head. "Why not Goddessfather?"

He chuckled, shrugging. "Who knows, Ella? Simplicity or misogyny, take your pick." I laughed, letting the question pass. He was right—it didn't matter.

"So, you're a godfather as well?" I prompted.

Henry nodded sagely. "Yes. It's very special—very intimate. When you're in the forest alone with the child, you are…" he paused. "You're treated to some insights into the child's spirit, their future. It's quite unique. In exchange for the dedication, the goddess gives a…prophecy of sorts."

My eyes widened, and I looked down at my little boy, fascinated. "Really?" I breathed. "We get to learn about Rafe's future tonight?"