The mountain road disappears behind Cara as she arrives at the Amore Family Manor, the signed release secured from the late celebration at Strong Heart H.Q. Maxine rides beside her, carrying three wrapped gifts.
Warm light spills from the children’s rooms. Orange fire trucks, blue dragons, and green racecars cover the floors while three small voices call through the open doors.
Shepherd Amore
Mommy is home! Is Maxine coming too?
Duke Amore
Did the company meeting finish? Is the dragon gift for me?
Maxine pauses in the hallway and checks each package, a toy fire station, a blue dragon set, and a green racing track, before setting them carefully beside the door.
Lance Amore
Why are there three presents? Is today a birthday?
Maxine Powers
Not a birthday. Your mothers made an important grown-up announcement, and we wanted to come home before anyone else could explain it badly.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reassure the boys about their mothers’ announcement
“I take Max's hand and explain to the boys that she and her daughter Minnie are gonna be living with us now as part of the family”
SUCCESS (Superb Conversation, rolled +0)
Cara takes Maxine’s hand in the warm hallway, keeping the three wrapped gifts gathered beside them. The boys turn from their colorful toys to listen.
Cara-Mia Amore
Maxine and her daughter, Minnie, are going to live here with us now. They are part of our family.
Maxine Powers
That is right. We will make this home together, and none of you are losing your place in it.
Shepherd Amore
Does Minnie like fire trucks? She can see my fire station, but she has to be careful with the ladder.
Duke Amore
Can she play dragons with me? Maxine can have the blue one if she wants.
Lance Amore
Where will everybody sleep? Can Minnie see my racing track when she wakes up?
Maxine’s grip closes gently around Cara’s hand. She looks from one boy to the next, visibly moved, while the manor’s familiar rooms suddenly feel ready for another child.
Settle the family’s sleeping arrangements
Quest Complete
Reassure the boys about their mothers’ announcement