Later that year, with the blessings of Astanna, Khará gave birth to a healthy boy and made Eira a proud grandmother.

- Look! Khará said enthusiastically, he is trying to talk!

- Haha! I think it might be just a burp coming, Eira pointed out, but he for sure he looks adorable!

- He has his grandfather's nose don't you think?

- I can see a certain resemblance, that's true.

- I can't wait to show him to my father, Samuel said.

- So, you have decided to move to Kastanea, then? Eira felt her heart sink.

- No, no! On the contrary! We have decided to stay here in Manthos, but father has decided to retire, and will come to stay with us. Permanently.

- Oh that's great news! Eira couldn't hide her joy. I'm so happy for you!

- What are you rooting for the most, mother? Khará whispered, Me not leaving, or that my father-in-law is coming to Manthos?

- Don't be silly...

- I'm just teasing you. It's obvious that you like him a lot.

- I do like him, that's true, Eira admitted, but I would never do anything that could make you and Samuel uncomfortable, I hope you know that?

- I just want you to be happy mother, honestly. Do exactly what your heart ...

- BURRRP!!

- My son! Have you no shame? Khará laughed. And in front of your giagia! What will she think of you!?

- GLLUUGG!

A few weeks later Yousif arrived in Manthos, and came by to see Eira.

- Please forgive me if I'm impudent, Kyria Eira, but I had to come back. Because of you.

- But surly the reason for coming back to Manthos were your family? Your son and grandson?

- Of course that was important too, but I must be honest: I missed you more than I thought I would. I have friends in Kastanea, but I felt lonely. It was making me physically ill.

- Really? Eira felt worried for Yousif and a bit excited at the same time.

- I didn't even enjoy my work! It seemed so trivial and pointless. I just knew I had to see you again. I know I'm not that much of a catch, I'm probably too old for you, I'm not smart like your husband was, and not very handsome either. And yes, I am unemployed and live at the mercy of my son!

- That's without a doubt the worst pitch for a relationship I've ever heard, Eira had to laugh. You know, I almost sent you a message, begging you to come back.

- You did? But why!?

- Because I missed you too, stupid! Okay, so I can see now that you are right about not being smart!

- I told you so!

They both laughed, and the tension that had been in the room earlier disappeared.

- I like you a lot, Yousif. But I'm not a brave woman. I think it's complicated. At our age and everything. With my daughter and your son being married. What if it doesn't work out between us? Wouldn't that make things really awkward? And I really don't want to be the target of gossip. I've always hated it.

- I can see that. It wouldn't affect me that much I think, since I don't know a lot of people here, but I understand. So why don't we take it slow? Get to know each other, become friends. And then we will see. What do you think?

- I would love that, Eira smiled, then frowned. I take it back.

- What?

- You are in fact quite smart. And not bad looking either. For an old man.

- Kyria Eira! I think you are flirting with me! Have you got no shame?

- No, not really!

.

I’m so glad we had this talk.

Eira and Yousif decided to follow through with the second blessing at the temple. They would now be officially married.

- You are my light and my joy..., Yousif choked up.

- I've never seen your mother so happy Bansabira, Noor whispered.

- True, Bansabira whispered back, we are really happy for her. It felt a bit strange in the beginning, but Yousif is a really nice person.

- I do except your ring, Eira answered Yousifs proposition.

Noor had prepared the food, and plenty of it.

There were dancing, of course, as in any other wedding. It didn't matter that the bride and groom were much older than wedding couples usually were.

Since Yousif didn't have a house of his own in Manthos, it was more practical that he moved in with Eira, than the other way around.

- Are yous sure you are okay with it? Eira asked Yousif, for what must have been the tenth time. Moving in to my late husband's house?

- I promise you my darling, I don't mind. I think he would be glad if he knew that someone took care of you, since he can't do it himself. And take care of you I will. Every single day for the rest of my life.

- Oh Yousif... I'm so happy. I think I might burst.

Eira had expected some tensions when everyday life started, but there wasn't. Yousif was attentive, and tried to help in the kitchen and the garden, and Eira let him. For the most part.

In the evenings they still went for long walks.

And at night they enjoyed having the other close.

But that autumn Eira became more and more redrawn. Clearly something was wrong.

And as so many times before, Noor was the one she turned to for advice and comfort.

- Are you sure? How is that even possible?

- I'm sure. I was thinking it could be menopause, but my belly is starting to be swollen.

- Have you told Yousif?

- I haven't. I'm afraid how he will take it. I'm pretty sure this is not what he had hoped for. None of us really.

.

- My beautiful! There you are! How lovely you look today!

Yousif and Eira had met for one of their daily walks.

- You are incorrigible, Kyrie Yousif!! You shouldn't flirt with innocent women you meet along the way!

- Innocent?! Did you say innocent? You naughty girl! I think I will have to teach you a lesson.

- Yousif!! Someone can see us! Eira giggled.

- I don't really care, Yousif mumbled, because I just have to kiss this totally irresistible spot right here.

- It tickles! Stop it you naughty boy! Eira laughed.

After laughing and flirting and schmoozing and coozing for a while Yousif became serious.

- Eira sweetheart, we have been keeping each other company for quite a while now. I wondered if you would join me to the temple tonight to get our first blessings? If you are ready for it?

- I am Yousif. I would be honored to. It's time.

It was early in the afternoon and not many people at the temple, but it was still the first time they appeared in public together as a couple.

- How do you feel, my dearest?

- I feel good Yousif. I really do.

- So, we are officially a couple now?

- We are. Even if people will talk. I'm okay with it.

- Maybe they wont talk? Or even notice?

- No, Yousif. In this case I'm absolutely certain. In fact, they have already noticed.

- I see. I guess they are right when they say the temple walls have eyes and ears.

- In this case we can't blame it on the temple walls, Eira smiled, but Kyria Agnh on the other hand has two of both. But it's fine. Just don't kiss me when she is around. Her handbag is very hard.

- Huh?

- There are still things you don't know about Manthos my dear! And I don't want you to learn the hard way!

.