Hushed Willows it's in the lap of the gods

Her ears turned back slightly at his laugh, but relaxed within seconds. She nodded along with him as he responded, giving a soft murmur in agreement to his praises of Seabreeze. She was growing to love the woman, too. Perhaps not as deeply as Delight--she likely never would--but there was something there that went beyond respect. She was family, now.

And as for Alarian. . . No one would ever blame you for staying, Lily said gently, though perhaps he didn't blame himself in the least. You deserve happiness too, Delight. Someone who will stand by you. Who won't just. . .run away, when things get difficult.

She blinked at him, the stars in her eyes. I'm glad you stayed, she whispered, reaffirming her earlier sentiment. Not just for our sake, but for yours. You belong here, with your children. With us. And perhaps there was someone waiting in the wings for him, somewhere. Who really knew?