Elowen stood there for a moment, watching the spot where her daughters had vanished. Her smile softened, and a warm glow filled her chest.
As soon as she heard the door to their room click shut upstairs, she let out a quiet laugh and shook her head.
Then, with a small chuckle, she turned toward the kitchen and mumbled under her breath in a teasing, cheerful tone, "Looks like my little cabbages have been stolen while I was away."
Her voice wasn't bitter—far from it. It was filled with amusement and peace.
She had known for a while now how the girls felt about Ethan. And deep down, she had always hoped things would work out in a way that didn't leave either of them hurt.
Seeing them both smiling tonight—open, happy, honest—was more than she could've asked for.
"Both chosen, huh?" she said softly as she reached the counter. "Guess that boy really does have good taste."
She gave the pot on the stove a quick stir, her smile not fading once.
It was shaping up to be a lovely night.
