"I can carry my own luggage." I tsk and steal back my heavy carryon backpack from Rosine. My hands just miss the handles of my two suitcases. Benedikta shakes her head and yanks them away from me. I purse my lips indignantly.

"You are not to exert yourself with transporting or lifting heavy loads," She snaps up my backpack once more, "Including this." I gape. She smiles wittily, knowing full well I am in no position to fight her for anything.

I wish I could argue my case, but Basil isn't going to join me for another two weeks. He gave the explicit orders for Benedikta and Rosine not to let me out of their sight or allow me to lift or move anything over twenty pounds. Orders also backed up by Doctors Eichel and Forst and seconded by Kunibert, who has been like a protective older brother.

Rosine reappears with luggage carts and I sneakily secure my bags before they can protest. Benedikta scowls and I smile plainly, my eyes scanning the busy airport for my Dad. He begged to come pick us up, because Basil and his family had arranged to have a company associate do so. He got his way and I'm happy it's him coming.

I see him holding a sign near the elevator, "Dad!" His eyes snap my way and he lights up like a Christmas tree. I hurry as fast as my legs can pump, being almost six months pregnant. He sets the decorated board down and envelopes me warmly in a Dad hug. Something only he can give. I hug back, "Dad, it's so good to see you!"

"It's wonderful to see your beautiful smile, Zipporah. Welcome home." We pull apart and I kiss his cheeks.

"It's a blessing to see your recovery is going so well."

"Doc says I'm healthy as a horse, as the saying goes. How was the trip here?"

"Excellent. We took the corporate jet," Benedikta clears her throat and I gesture to my two companions, "These are Benedikta and Rosine." He offers a warm smile and shakes their hands.

"Welcome to America, and to one of its most beautiful regions. I'm David Roux."

"It's an honor, sir." Benedikta greets. Rosine smiles a little awkwardly.

"It's a pleasure, sir." She answers. Dad nods and we take the elevator up to the parking garage. He helps me into the Acadia whilst the girls load up the back. I rest back in the passenger seat and retrieve my phone.

Call me when you're safely there.

I smile and call Basil. In less than one ring he picks up, "Edelweiss! How are you? How was the flight?" I giggle.

"I'm fine and the flight was wonderful. I just got into my dad's car, actually... you were staring at your phone waiting weren't you, Edelweiss?"

"Of course I was. I wish I was there with you instead of here in an office."

"Hey, I'll be fine! The two weeks will fly by."

"I'm just happy you're there and out of harm's way. Just please keep Benedikta and Rosine with you. Don't give them the slip."

"I can't promise that. I agreed to let them come, but they are, for all intents and purposes, on official leave and are vacationing here."

"Zipporah!"

"Basil." He groans on the other end of the earth.

"Just... stay safe."

"I will. Don't worry. I've got to go now. I'll call you later, k? I love you, Edelweiss!"

"Ich liebe Sie auch, mein Schatz! Tschüss!" We hang up as Dad is exiting SeaTac. I smile and absorb the familiar scenery of Washington in early August. Rosine and Benedikta are in awe. The warm and sunny weather is like a hidden gem, because Washington is known for its rain.

Dad and I chat all the way back home. Rosine and Benedikta chip in, warming up gradually to the concept of normal conversation without honorifics or royal courtesy. But the moment I see mom on the front porch, I grin and can't wait for Dad to get my door. I hop out and embrace her tightly.

"Welcome back, Sweetie." She croons.

"Ya, welcome back, Zipper!" I laugh as I feel another set of arms encompass me.

"Hallo, Icy."

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~Uilosris