With hardly any time to register what was happening, she laughed as Tyb covered her eyes. This was  a recipe for disaster, certainly. Holding tight to Hallie, she let her husband guide her through the house to the sitting room. Sitting on the floor gently as he instructed, Hallie squirmed to be released and Els let her go with another chuckle. She had been about to ask if she was to keep her eyes closed, but Tyb was already bounding out of the room again.

The curiosity got the better of her and she opened her eyes to the start of a picnic in the sitting room. The blanket and some decorations set up had her melting instantly. So much had changed since her last birthday Elsie almost felt as if it were another life entirely. They were married, had a home and a healthy baby boy. It was hard to believe that this time last year she thought her life had been over, but in had simply just begun.

"My, my, you two have been busy." She grinned as the food and the boys made their way in. "Thank you," She sighed softly, smiling at him with a fresh wave of appreciation and love. It hadn't been easy, but they were comfortable, content and there wasn't much more she could ask for. "This is lovely."